Gold miners at a site in Kapoeta | Credit | Courtesy
Authorities in Kapoeta South County, Eastern Equatoria State, have temporarily closed all local gold mining activities after cholera claimed more than 55 lives in the County.
The decision comes following the visit of County
Commissioner Paul Lokale and State Health Minister Thomas Koteen to Nakeke,
where they observed overcrowding and poor sanitation, including open defecation,
factors identified as key contributors to the spread of the disease.
Commissioner Lokale urged residents engaged in artisanal
mining to return to their home areas until the outbreak is under control.
“Let people first go back to their various places so that
the cholera cases reduce because once the people are not over crowded in a
place the spread of cholera will subside but if the people are many in one
place, the cases will keep on rising because even the flies will be many as you
know that they will always be where there are people,” Lokale urged.
Meanwhile, Health Minister Koteen warned that cholera is
linked to poor hygiene and can worsen during the rainy season.
Officials also noted a lack of latrines in the area and
urged communities to build proper sanitation facilities to help prevent the
spread of the disease.
“This disease is caused by the poor hygiene, and it is worse
when it rains and so I would like to advice you on the ways on how to eliminate
this disease by eating clean food and clean water, and warm food at the same time,
keeping our homes clean. I have observed there is no latrines here. let’s find
ways on how to bury the feces because this disease can be transmitted by the
flies,” said Koteen.
Singaita 88.3 FM spoke with residents who expressed concerns
over the government’s decision to close local gold mining activities. They
emphasized that mining is their primary source of income, helping them feed
their families.
Residents urged the government to focus on providing cholera
treatment and clean drinking water rather than shutting down mining operations.
Residents, who wished to remain anonymous, stated that
authorities should focus on supplying water treatment resources to maintain
cleanliness and ensure timely medical assistance for the sick, guaranteeing
they are promptly taken to the hospital when needed.
“They should not chase people; if they chase people,
criminal activities will increase, and stealing will become more common. If we
do the mining, it helps us significantly; we sell, and it allows us to buy
sorghum,” one said.
Another added echoed: “The government is supposed to help
them by bringing drugs for them because chasing them will not bring any
solution. The biggest issue right now is hunger. If the government wants to
assist, let them bring drugs temporarily so that they can help those in need.”
On Sunday, the county disease surveillance department
reported a total of 43 cholera-related deaths at Kapoeta Civil Hospital and
Napetait PHCC, with an additional 12 deaths in the community, bringing the
total to 55.
The number of admissions stands at 344 at Kapoeta Civil
Hospital and 241 at Napetait PHCC, making a total of 585 admissions in the
county.