By Neyoh Theresah, UniMAC-IJ, Faculty of Journalism and Media Studies level 300
Living around a contaminated lagoon can have significant implications for both the environment and the people residing in the area. The Odaw lagoon is 31 km long and it flows through Ghana’s capital Accra.
The lagoon has been polluted for years and residents complain bitterly on some of the health challenges they face. Contamination in lagoon is as a result of various human activities, industrial discharges, agricultural runoff, and improper waste disposal. Common contaminants found in the contaminated Odaw lagoon include chemicals, heavy metals, pesticides, sewage, and other pollutants that can have detrimental effects on aquatic ecosystems, wildlife, and potentially human health. Residents around the lagoon share their concerns on how they explore the challenges they face as they strive to reconcile their aspirations for a harmonious life with the harsh realities imposed by environmental compromise.
Malaria is a common and a major health concern of residents around the Odaw river. As residents navigate their daily lives near the contaminated lagoon, they find themselves unwittingly exposed to a heightened risk of mosquito-borne illnesses. Living near a contaminated lagoon is a perfect breeding ground for mosquitoes which has significant negative impacts on the residents. Mosquitoes are known carries of diseases such as malaria. When they breed in the contaminated lagoon, they transmit diseases to the nearby pollution, putting their health at risk. Parents complain bitterly on how their children are being affected by malaria, how they themselves get affected and how they end up at the hospital. Also, residents talk on how mosquito bites are incredibly irritating and cause discomfort, leading to sleepless nights and decreased quality of their lives. The constant buzzing and itching can sometimes be quite bothersome and make it difficult to enjoy outdoor activities.
Air pollution
Additionally, the presence of pollutants in contaminated lagoons significantly degrades air quality, impacting the health and wellbeing of people living around it. Foul smells not only create discomfort but can also contribute to stress, anxiety, and overall diminished well-being. Some residents talk about how the presence of pollutants has contaminated the air they breathe resulting in respiratory issues and even long term chronic diseases. That is how some of the children are being rushed to the hospital as a result of respiratory diseases like asthma. This negatively impacts on the overall community. In all of these, children are affected the most. It is important to note that children are often more vulnerable to the adverse effects of environmental pollutants due to their developing bodies and behaviours, such as hand-to-mouth activities. Most of these children are seen playing around the lagoon more often and so they have higher risks or chances of contracting some of these diseases. Also, behavioural and cognitive is one significant effect on the children.
Some pollutants have been associated with behavioural and cognitive effects in children. These may include attention deficits, learning disabilities, and changes in behaviour. Some environmental contaminants have also been linked to learning disabilities in children. Cognitive functions related to memory, information processing, and language skills may be adversely affected, leading to challenges in acquiring new knowledge and skills. Some residents also complain on skin disorders. Direct contact with contaminated water causes skin problems. They often experience skin irritations, rashes, and infections due to exposure to pollutants like chemicals and heavy metals present in the lagoon.
Local ecosystem
The implications extend beyond human health, as air pollution from contaminated lagoons can harm local ecosystems. Vegetation and wildlife in the vicinity may be adversely affected, disrupting the delicate balance of the environment. It is crucial to address and remediate contamination issues, promote proper waste management practices, and raise awareness about the potential health hazards associated with living near polluted water bodies. Regular health check-ups, proper hygiene practices and sun protection measures remain important for residents living around the Odaw lagoon and will contribute to rest the potential risks. It is also important for local authorities to take prompt action by implementing and enforcing strict regulation on industrial and residential waste disposal to prevent further contamination.
