1, 296 IDPs Risk Cholera Outbreak In Yobe

There are indications that the 1, 296 Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) in Pompomari camp, Damaturu, may face cholera outbreak and other water-borne diseases due to absence of water and sanitation facilities.
The  inmates said they get water once a day, while their toilet facilities were not being maintained.
The Water Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) in Emergency Working Group, further reports that inmates of the camp said the coming rains would compound the problems as their makeshift homes are in tatters.
One of the displaced persons, Adamu Rabiu, told newsmen about the poor hygiene practices in the camp, and said it was a huge problem to the inhabitants.
He alleged that the State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA), had neglected provision of adequate water for them.
He said that the single solar-powered borehole in the camp, was grossly inadequate for their population of over 1,300.
He said that the single solar-powered borehole in the camp, was grossly inadequate for their population of over 1,300.
He expressed concerns over how sanitation officers in charge of maintaining hygiene in their toilets, had failed to apply disinfectants and air fresheners to reduce offensive smell polluting the premises.
Rabiu said that the development could become harmful to the population of the IDPs, and called for immediate deployment of more sanitation workers to help rescue the situation.
“As you can see for yourself, the environment is not conducive at all. “We want the authorities in charge to help us maintain this camp by bringing in sanitation workers.
“We are aware that the Red Cross helped in cleaning the drains and culverts, but now, SEMA is in charge and they are not doing anything.