Clogged Gutters Endanger Health with Incoming Rain

A Growing Public Health Crisis in Wetland-Bordering Communities

In densely populated areas that lie adjacent to the country’s wetlands, including Ebo-Town, New Jeshwang, and Tallinding Farokono, residents are facing a hidden public health challenge. As the rainy season approaches, concerns about the state of their environment are increasing, with many fearing the consequences of neglect and poor infrastructure.

The problem begins with overflowing gutters filled with solid waste and stagnant water, which have become breeding grounds for bacteria, viruses, and disease-carrying insects. These conditions pose serious threats to public health, ranging from cholera and dysentery to respiratory complications caused by mold and decaying waste. Health experts and local residents agree that these neglected waterways represent a critical issue that demands immediate attention.

Lamin Fadera, a native of New Jeshwang, highlights the severity of the situation. “Look at the drainages—they are jam-packed with solid waste,” he said. “How can water flow easily from one place to another? I don’t think the authorities should be absolutely blamed for this. The communities are part of the problem. The only way we can achieve progress is when the Anti-Littering Act is fully implemented.”

Fadera and others argue that the government has contributed to the crisis by constructing drainage systems that are not maintained. Many of these channels are now clogged, halting the natural flow of water from upland areas to the wetlands. However, residents also acknowledge their role in the problem, admitting that they often throw household waste into open drains and fail to take responsibility for their upkeep.

Health researchers emphasize that blocked drains not only cause flooding and property damage but also create ideal conditions for disease. Sewage spills introduce harmful microorganisms into the environment, while stagnant water breeds mosquitoes, flies, and other vectors. Mold spores from damp environments worsen allergies and respiratory illnesses, particularly among those with asthma.

Frances Camara, a public health officer, underscores the dangers of unclean drainages. “Unclean drainages pose significant threats to public health by creating breeding grounds for disease vectors and contaminating water sources,” she said. “Stagnant water in clogged drains can harbor bacteria and pathogens, leading to illnesses like cholera, dysentery, and other waterborne diseases. Furthermore, poor drainage can exacerbate flooding, leading to injuries from submerged debris or electrical hazards.”

Camara warns that the approaching rainy season could worsen the situation. “Wherever there is stagnant water, insects like mosquitoes breed. That’s a serious health threat. The government should make sure that gutters are regularly kept clean so water can flow smoothly to its final destination,” she said.

She also points out that unclean drainage systems can carry pollutants and chemicals into rivers and streams, affecting both aquatic life and human drinking water sources. Poor drainage can lead to soil erosion and degradation, ultimately threatening agriculture and food security.

Fatou Marong, another public health officer, highlights the widespread risks associated with untreated wastewater and contaminated stormwater runoff. “Untreated wastewater and contaminated stormwater runoff can carry pathogens like bacteria and viruses that cause diarrhea, dysentery, cholera, and other illnesses,” she said. “Stagnant water in clogged drains becomes a breeding ground for mosquitoes, flies, and other insects that transmit diseases like malaria, dengue fever, and West Nile virus.”

Contact with contaminated water, she explains, can cause skin infections, allergic reactions, and other health problems. She also warns about the presence of sewage, industrial waste, and agricultural runoff in unclean drains, which can introduce harmful chemicals and heavy metals into the environment—sometimes making their way into the food chain.

“Inadequate sanitation and contaminated water sources are major contributors to cholera outbreaks, particularly in areas with poor infrastructure,” Marong said. Diarrhea, vomiting, and other gastrointestinal issues are common health problems associated with exposure to pathogens in unclean drainage systems. Skin rashes, itchiness, and allergic reactions can result from contact with contaminated drainage water or mold growth in damp areas.

Beyond physical health, the psychological toll is also mounting. Louie Mendy, a resident of Jeshwang, notes the impact on mental well-being. “The unpleasant odors and unsanitary conditions cause stress and anxiety,” he said. “It affects our mental well-being. It’s hard to live with dignity when your surroundings are filled with filth and disease.”

Mendy emphasizes that managing drainage systems effectively requires more than just construction—it needs consistent maintenance, proper grading, and public education. “Key aspects include preventing blockages, ensuring adequate slope for water flow, and possibly using controlled drainage techniques to manage water levels,” he said.

Experts are calling for a multi-pronged response: regular drain cleaning, community participation, stricter enforcement of environmental laws, and greater investment in sanitation infrastructure. Marong says public education campaigns are crucial to change behavior at the grassroots level.

“Investing in and maintaining proper sanitation and wastewater treatment systems is crucial to prevent contamination of water sources and reduce disease transmission,” she said. “Implementing effective stormwater management practices, such as proper drainage and erosion control, can minimize the risk of pollutants entering water bodies. And we must educate the public about hygiene, sanitation, and the dangers of unclean drainage to encourage responsible behavior.”

In neighborhoods like Tallinding Farokono, where heavy rains often submerge roads and seep into homes, the stakes could not be higher. With the clouds gathering and the first drops of the season imminent, residents wait—and worry. Without swift action, what begins as blocked gutters could end in a preventable health catastrophe.