IN response to the article ‘PWD solves water problem’ dated March 2, 2015, I would like to highlight that this problem is not isolated to Daro Hospital only, but affects the whole of Daro District.
We initiated research on the water quality and found that it has high turbidity, presence of coliform and traces of heavy metals such as aluminium.
When used for consumption it is a health hazard, as evident from numerous cases of chronic skin allergies and stomach ailments.
This does not even account for cases of heavy metal consumption, which may contribute to hormonal imbalance disorder, anaemia, osteoporosis, and Alzheimer’s.
To have a good water source is a basic human right and yet we feel that this right has been violated.
Not all are able to afford to have exorbitant filtration systems installed at home with further maintenance costs of tedious weekly filter cartridge changes. Even after filtration, the water still tastes salty due to the high salinity.
Some residents have opted to drink rainwater as an alternative. However the atmosphere here is polluted by the frequent practice of garbage burning, which releases toxic and noxious fumes into the atmosphere. This may just rain down and end up being consumed.
The rest have to resort to buying cartons of water bottles (which are just filled with treated tap water from Sibu Water Board), which could result in high plastic wastage as there is no recycling centre available.
We are extremely disappointed with the level of water quality here.
We request an independent investigation be conducted to collect the necessary evidence so that more action could be taken.
Thank you,
Concern Citizen