THATTA, Nov 4: Water used by people of the district is contaminated and not fit for drinking which can lead to spread of diseases if adequate measures are not taken.

This was stated by the EDO, health, Dr Hafeezul Haq Memon, while speaking at a press conference at the district health office in Makli here on Thursday evening.

He said laboratory tests of water, sought by his office from the Agha Khan Laboratory, Dr Ahsanullah's Laboratory and other laboratories, showed more than 105ml bacterial count in samples collected from different areas in Sondha, Belo, Thatta, Makli, Gujjo and other union councils.

The EDO stressed the need for health education, chlorination of water reservoirs and use of water after boiling.

He said no case of gastroenteritis had so far been reported from any part of the district. However, he added, from Oct 21 to Nov 3, 344 patients of diarrhoea had been reported at various district hospitals.

He said despite budgetary constraints, emergency drug consignments had been dispatched to hospitals and rural health centres.

The EDO said treatment of potable water, maintenance of water reservoirs and provision of health education were not the sole responsibility of the district health department.

He said since the introduction of the devolution of power plan in 2001, 15 health officers had been appointed. Five posts were still lying vacant. As many as 233 doctors had also been appointed, he further said.

The EDO said there was a need for coordinated efforts by union councils and health and education departments to avert any tragedy due to the use of contaminated water in the district.

He said special measures were required to address the water problem.