Random water quality tests reveal E coli in Hihifo area
Friday, June 5, 2020 - 18:33
Escherichia coli (E coli) bacteria has been discovered during random tests of water supplies to homes in Hihifo, Tongatapu, during a survey that was completed this week. More testing is needed to confirm the finding. As World Environment Day is celebrated today, 5 June, it raises awareness on the improvements that Tonga's sanitation system requires.
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Comments
What is being done
What is being done immediately to address this threat?
We are in Ha'avakatolo and just got back from visiting my mother-in-law who was rushed to Vaiola this Friday morning gravely ill. She has an intestinal infection that turned into septic shock and is currently receiving antibiotics. So I was shocked to return home and see your article about the water supply being contaminated with E coli, which could easily be the cause of her illness.
We would be so grateful if you could help us follow up with the Minister of Health and ask what is being done immediately to address this threat? They talk about consultations, donor funding, community education and those are good long term plans but we need immediate action. We need some kind of plan, like chlorinating the water, giving out water sanitising tablets, something. This is not the time for complacency and we need to protect our vulnerable elderly and children from this potentially deadly threat.
Malo aupito, Tatiana