Kagadi district health department launches sanitation operation 

May 29, 2018

“We are moving in all towns and trading centres because the hygiene and sanitation in these areas is really wanting,” Situma.

PIC: A health worker inspecting one of the pit latrines in Paacwa. ( Ismael Kasooha)
 
SANITATION
 
KAGADI - The department of health Kagadi district local Government has embarked on a district wide-sanitation campaign to prevent the spread of cholera and other water borne diseases.
 
According to district health inspector, Peter Situma, the sanitation levels in the district are worrying which prompted the district to mount an operation to apprehend all businesses and homesteads that do not meet the required standards.
 
"We are moving in all towns and trading centres because the hygiene and sanitation in these areas is really wanting," said Situma.
 
The operation begun in Paacwa trading centre where eating places, clinics, guest houses and homesteads were closed after they failed to comply to the health safety standards.
 
Issues considered are license, hygiene of the building, food handling, food handlers, general hygiene of the working environment, general hygiene of the food handlers, hand washing facilities, sanitary facilities, kitchen presence, litter-bin for solid waste and water for use.
 

Kagadi-district-health-inspector, Peter-Situmatalks to one of the Chapati operators in Paacwa trading-centre.(Credit: Ismael Kasooha)

 
Situma added that the operation followed the outbreak of cholera on the fishing villages on Lake Albert and there is a possibility that it could spread to other areas.
 
He said that over 100 cases of cholera have been reported and managed in Kitebere fishing village and others but is being managed by health workers.
 
"We don't want to be taken unawares and start regretting that we would have done the necessary precautions to prevent the spread. Prevention is cheaper and better that treatment,"Situma said.
 
He said that some drug shops register as drug shops but end up admitting patients in a filthy environment which endangers the life of the people which is unacceptable.
 
Doctor's clinic Paacwa and TINKS drug shop are some of the clinics that were closed.
 
He said that Doctor's clinic was operating without a license and had been warned but did not take heed.
 
In the homesteads, over 50% of those visited did not have latrines. 
 
Situma said that it is funny how some households can afford to buy dishes to watch Television but fail to have a latrine which is a necessity.
 
"Our people are crazy because how do you fail to have a latrine and afford to buy a dish and watch television. We decided to close such homes so that they can have a sense of responsibility," said Situma.
 
He said in the 21st century people are still doing opendisporsal of their wastes, which is very dangerous to both the people at home and the entire community.
 
In eating places, the on spot check discovered that the owners of these eating places are using polythene bags to prepare food and others are not medically examined to handle food.
 
Most of the food handlers never had aprons to maintain hygiene and promote cleanliness.
 
Those preparing chapatti and beans (Kikomando) were found operating in unhygienic conditions and are not medically examined to handle food.
 
Situma said that these people are operating in open places with dust and flies affecting the food they are preparing.
 
He promises to continue with such operations in all major towns and trading centers in the district to ensure compliance.
 
"We are not stopping here and I want to warn the rest of people in other areas we are coming to inspect your places," said Situma.
 
Voices 
 
Sedraka Lauben, resident of Paacwa say; "I want to commend the health inspectorate for carrying out such operations because our life has been in danger.
 
"We are optimistic that now people will change their behaviours for the good of our health."
 

Sedraka Lauben, one of the residents in Paacwa speaks out on the hygiene in their region. (Credit:Ismael Kahoosa)

Proscovia Kugonza a salon operator in Paacwa say; "Our business as salon operators does not need to be near food eating places because it is a health hazard.
 
"We are happy that authorities have come to our rescue because our business the Kikomando business was greatly interfering with our customers."
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

 

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