INFORME ANALÍTICO

10. LINK BETWEEN THE WATER SANITATION SERVICES & HEALTH, ENVIRONMENT & SOCIO ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

An unpublished report on "Health Conditions in the Americas, 1998 Edition – Antigua & Barbuda" by Dorbrene O’Mard have shown that there is little incidence of the water system on general health. The exception occurs among children under 5 where the leading problems are acute respiratory injections, Diarrhreal diseases, injuries and skin infections.

The problems caused by odours & algae in the open drains (sewers) in the city are already a cause for concern. Most residents are immune to the odor an are accustomed to the appearance.

The comments by many visitors have led to the covering of some drains in the city center, however, the odor still remains a problem.

There is no doubt that Mangrove Vegitation and sea grass have all but disappeared from coastal areas into which drains empty. From time to time fish kills also occur in flashes and near shore areas due to run off from drains, and bathers on some beaches have complained of skin irritations.

With Tourism the major source of GDP there can be doubt that in the long run this will effect the industry and hence employment in the sector.