[imc-sa] Press Release from NZ Public Health Assn against water restrictions in the Far Nth!

[pennybright at xtra.co.nz]

(Apologies for cross-postings)

Hi folks!

This is a significant development by Public Health 
Professionals in New Zealand, in defence of water as a basic 
human right - speaking out against water restrictions as a threat 
to public health!

First time to my knowledge that this has happened.
A very positive step forward.
One that the Far North District Council cannot take lightly.

Don't they care about the kids? Or the people? 
Just the money?

Well - the world is watching........
Are they going to restrict the water?
If they do - who is going to make sure it is turned back on?

The Environmental Health Protection Officers attached to the 
Far North District Council?

The Medical Officer for Health?

Or - the people themselves - at street level defending their 
families' basic human right to water?......................

Cheers

Penny 

Penny Bright
Media Spokesperson
Water Pressure Group (Auckland)
Ph (09) 846 9825

		______________________________


PRESS RELEASE FROM THE PUBLIC HEALTH 
ASSOCIATION

Thursday 25 November 2004

Media release

       Water restrictions for debtors in Northland a serious 
                        health risk, says PHA

The Public Health Association says proposals to restrict water 
supplies to families in the far North families pose serious 
health risks.

PHA director Dr Gay Keating says the Far North District 
Council needs to consider all other options to avoid water  
restrictions for households that have not paid their water rates.

Dr Keating says Northland already has high levels of serious 
skin infections and gastro intestinal illness, and depriving 
families of water could worsen disease in the area.

“There isn’t much point depriving people of water if the health 
system ends up picking up the costs through increased rates of 
hospitalisation.”

Dr Keating points out a supply of clean dry towels for each 
family member is important for preventing serious skin 
infections that require hospitalisation. Prevention also relies on 
access to water to thoroughly clean scratches, cuts and bites.

Supplies of good clean water are fundamental to good health 
and a basic human right, Dr Keating says. She points out 
Northland has a larger number of poor people and larger 
families than other parts of the country and it inequitable that 
children should risk serious disease because their parents can’t 
pay water rates.

“Local authorities have a responsibility to consider the health 
of their communities and also the socio-economic make up of 
their region,” Dr Keating says. 

For more information:
Dr Gay Keating	021 138 2006