CONTAMINATED WATER CAUSING DISEASE IN THE SEPIK REGION OF PAPUA NEW GUINEA: The East Sepik Provincial Government and the Provincial Health Authority to urgently investigate and assist the affected villagers.

CONTAMINATED WATER CAUSING DISEASE IN THE SEPIK REGION OF PAPUA NEW GUINEA

Hagoria/Wwk The Kaminimbit and Mamari Villagers in Middle Sepik LLG of Angoram District East Sepik Province are now calling for immediate interventions from authorities to look into potential outbreak of skin diseases and other waterborne sicknesses in their areas. Community leaders told NBC News that villagers have been getting sick and developing ulcer like sores after consuming and bathing in contaminated water sources. Cyril Tara from Kaminimbit said villagers are now starving as they could no longer catch fish and produce sago as all their water sources have now been contaminated. When speaking to NBC News from his village, Tara claims that the recent seismic activities have given way for underground toxic minerals to surface, contaminating all water sources. He said the contamination have also been catastrophic to fish, crocodiles and other aquatic animals in their natural habitats. The villagers have also claimed that no medical supplies or any form of relief assistance have reached them despite efforts made to report their situation to the provincial authorities. Former Radio Braodcater Bruce Samban when raising his concern is now calling on the East Sepik Provincial Government and the Provincial Health Authority to urgently investigate and assist the affected villagers. End....... Photos courtesy of Cyril Tara