Report on the state of public health in Burma.

Date:
[1937]
Catalogue details

Licence: Public Domain Mark

Credit: Report on the state of public health in Burma. Source: Wellcome Collection.

    39/212 (page 31)
    satisfactory solution of this problem as the engineering difficulties which would have to be faced could only be overcome at great expense. Throughout the country the normal method of providing water is by digging tanks and wells. Tanks in themselves are a suitable and reasonable source of supply provided they are adequately safeguarded, it is in this latter respect that so much yet remains to be done. Properly protected wells and tanks, protected by means of fences and concrete parapets respectively, with provision to prevent the use of individual domestic utensils and to prevent indiscriminate fouling of the water at the site, would have a very marked effect on the incidence of intestinal diseases throughout the country. These safeguards are not expensive in themselves and should be much more widely in use than they are at present. It is very gratifying to note that certain of the larger municipalities who are financially able to attend to this important subject have realised their responsibilities in this connection and attempt to provide adequate and safe supplies of water. In this respect the authorities at Akyab, Moulmein and Bassein are particularly to be congratulated. Moulmein during the hot weather of 1937 put into operation a scheme for water supply which has been the subject of comment in previous reports. Experience in Moulmein in which the provision of an increased supply of water led to a large increase in consumption, shows the necessity of continued activity in educating the public in the desirability of saving water. There is little doubt that the people, once they are given the facility of a tap and are able, therefore to avoid the fatigue or expense of carrying water for domestic purposes, lose all sense of proportion in regard to their responsibilities in regulat¬ ing their consumption. This problem is by no means unique to Burma as it is one which was experienced acutely in America and in all countries in the west during the last war, when efforts were made to induce people to control their consumption. Moulmein water supply has been further safeguarded by the establishment of a chlorination plant which is working perfectly. However, in view of the above remarks, some system of metering would appear to be necessary. In Bassein a scheme has been evolved by the Committee to supply drinking water by pipes in certain congested areas of the town, and a six-inch diameter tube well has been sunk during the year. The scheme is still awaiting the final administrative approval of Govern¬ ment before being put into operation. Unfortunately it is possible that it will have to be delayed on account of the Municipality’s commitments With regard to reconstructing a bazaar destroyed by fire. Akyab provides a water supply which is led by pipes from an impounded reservoir situated some distance from the town proper. The water is excellent but, unfortunately, is insufficient in quantity which has necessitated restricting the hours of supply. The Munici¬ pality have under consideration a scheme for increasing the storage