Water crisis creates health concerns

Over 80 cases of gastroenteritis in the city of David, Chiriqui, due to the drinking water crisis were confirmed by the Ministry of Health(Minsa)  on Monday, April 1,

Dr. Alcibiades Batista the provincial health director reported that  In David, cases of vomiting and diarrhea due to rotavirus are increasing due to lack of water, which limits the population ’s personal cleanliness measures.

” The cases of gastroenteritis in the district of David are viral, as cases have been reported in hospitals, health centers and private clinics, which is worrying” said Batista.

He noted that due to the sectorization program (delivery of water in tankers) by the Institute of Aqueducts and Sewerage s (IDAAN) and the placement of valves at different points is generating the problem. at this time.

He sid pointed that although the water crisis and sectorization are due to low water levels, the population must adopt preventive measures such as: the use

of antibacterial gel to clean their hands constantly.

The regional director of IDAAN in Chiriqui said Monday that the sectorization of water in the district of David is due to the drought that has caused the levels of the David and Majagua rivers that supply raw water to The Algarrobos the water treatment plant

Currently the plant potabilizer is generating 12 million gallons a day to supply 140,000 inhabitants. which is not enough. In the rainy season, it delivers 40 million gallons.