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Contribution of water pollution from inadequate sanitation and housing quality to diarrheal disease in low-cost housing settlements of Cape Town, South Africa

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  • Govender, T.
  • Barnes, J.M.
  • Pieper, C.H.

Abstract

Objectives: We investigated the effects of failing sanitation, poor housing conditions, and fecal pollution in runoff water on the health-particularly the incidence of diarrheal disease-of residents of low-cost housing settlements in Cape Town, South Africa. Methods: In November 2009, we conducted a cross-sectional survey with structured interviews in 4 communities (n=336 dwellings; 1080 persons). We used Colilert defined-substrate technology to determine Escherichia coli levels in runoff water samples taken from the study communities. Results: Almost 15% of households disposed of soiled products in storm water drains and 6% disposed of soiled products in the street. In only 26% of the dwellings were toilets washed daily. Approximately 59% of dwellings lacked a tap near the toilet for hand washing, and 14% of respondents suffered 1 or more attacks of diarrhea in the 2 weeks preceding their interview. E.coli counts of runoff environmental water samples ranged from 750 to 1580000000 per 100 milliliters. Conclusions: A holistic and integrated approach is needed to improve housing quality and sanitation among Cape Town's low-income citizens.

Suggested Citation

  • Govender, T. & Barnes, J.M. & Pieper, C.H., 2011. "Contribution of water pollution from inadequate sanitation and housing quality to diarrheal disease in low-cost housing settlements of Cape Town, South Africa," American Journal of Public Health, American Public Health Association, vol. 101(7), pages 4-9.
    • Handle: RePEc:aph:ajpbhl:10.2105/ajph.2010.300107_7
    DOI: 10.2105/AJPH.2010.300107
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    Cited by:

    1. Thi Yen Chi Nguyen & Bamidele Oladapo Fagbayigbo & Guéladio Cissé & Nesre Redi & Samuel Fuhrimann & John Okedi & Christian Schindler & Martin Röösli & Neil Philip Armitage & Kirsty Carden & Mohamed Aq, 2021. "Diarrhoea among Children Aged under Five Years and Risk Factors in Informal Settlements: A Cross-Sectional Study in Cape Town, South Africa," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 18(11), pages 1-18, June.
    2. Thelma de Jager & Mashupye Herbert Maserumule, 2021. "Innovative Community Projects to Educate Informal Settlement Inhabitants in the Sustainment of the Natural Environment," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 13(11), pages 1-13, June.
    3. Gbadegesin Job & Pienaar Michael & Marais Lochner, 2020. "Housing, planning and urban health: Historical and current perspectives from South Africa," Bulletin of Geography. Socio-economic Series, Sciendo, vol. 48(48), pages 23-34, June.
    4. Amy Weimann & Tolu Oni, 2019. "A Systematised Review of the Health Impact of Urban Informal Settlements and Implications for Upgrading Interventions in South Africa, a Rapidly Urbanising Middle-Income Country," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 16(19), pages 1-17, September.
    5. Kathleen A. Alexander & Adil Godrej, 2015. "Greywater Disposal Practices in Northern Botswana—The Silent Spring?," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 12(11), pages 1-12, November.

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