ELEUTHERA, BAHAMAS – An Eleuthera-based medical provider has expressed concerns that the island’s ongoing water crisis could escalate into a serious health emergency, particularly due to the added complication of inconsistent electricity supply.
Dr. Lightbourne, who oversees a clinic providing comprehensive diagnostic and treatment services to thousands of residents and visitors, has already observed an increase in various medical cases. “As a physician, I am deeply concerned that Eleuthera’s water crisis could lead to a health crisis,” he stated. “The lack of water, coupled with unreliable electricity, not only causes inconvenience but also poses significant health risks.”
He explained that while many might view the issue as merely frustrating, the underlying problem is more severe. “We might think of it as just an inconvenience when we turn on the tap and find no water,” he said. “However, this frustration masks a critical issue: insufficient water means people are less likely to maintain proper personal hygiene. Not washing hands, for instance, increases the risk of spreading infections.”
The spread of infections is particularly alarming for those with compromised immune systems, such as diabetics, the elderly, individuals with HIV/AIDS, or those undergoing chemotherapy. Dr. Lightbourne also predicted that inadequate water for cleaning purposes could lead to an increase in rodents, such as rats and mice, which in turn could spread vector-borne illnesses.
“An increase in pests like rats, mice, and roaches can result in additional health hazards,” he warned. “To control these vermin, people may resort to using pest control chemicals, which can be harmful if inhaled.”
Dr. Lightbourne is also concerned about the impact of continuing power outages on residents’ health. “People are constantly moving between cold air-conditioned environments and extreme heat, which can be very taxing on the body,” he noted. He also fears that dried-up sewage systems could lead to poor air quality, unpleasant odors, and an increase in asthma attacks and other immune reactions.
This is not the first time Dr. Lightbourne has highlighted the intersection of public works and health issues. In 2016, he criticized the prolonged fires at the landfill in New Providence, which led to widespread smoke inhalation and forced school closures. At that time, he emphasized the potential long-term health effects of smoke exposure.
Dr. Lightbourne is now calling for a comprehensive and long-term solution to Eleuthera’s utility problems. “It’s time to move beyond temporary fixes and address the root causes of our water and sewage issues,” he urged.
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