The ministry fears that operators of these trucks are not strictly observing national “public health measures to avoid the spillage of sewage.”
The ministry describes this as a serious threat to public health, with the potential to spread infectious and vector-borne diseases.
In this regard, the ministry through the Directorate of Public Health Services urges operators to desist from such practices, ensure proper sanitary measures and adhere to regulations for the promotion of health and well-being.
The recommendations further urged sanitary tank truck operators to inspect their tanks to avoid leakages during collection and transportation of sewage, avoid overloading during the collection of sewage, as well as put in place an emergency response plan.
“Acting on the Public Health Act of 1990, all Public Health officers in the country will monitor such activities within their respective jurisdictions and impound any sanitary tanker truck that is not in compliance with the prescribed public health measures mentioned above,” it warns.
Nonetheless, compound heads and residents are also advised to desist from digging holes in their fence that allows contaminated water to flow into the streets, as the health ministry terms this as a violation of the environmental health laws of the country.
