Advisors

Kwabeng, Ghana has experienced increased rates of urinary schistosomiasis (Schistosoma haematobium) since the onset of surface gold mining activities in the early 1990s (Bonci et al, 2006). The mining has hydraulically altered the Awusu River and thereby created habitats favorable to intermediate host Bulinus snails. Schistosomiasis is a common parasitic disease in tropical areas. The symptoms of the disease include bladder infections, haematuria, and anemia (WHO 2007). Children in Kwabeng contract schistosomiasis by playing in and collecting water from the Awusu River, which contains high levels of the flatworms that cause the disease. Our task was to choose and design an appropriate engineering intervention to make an impact on the incidence of schistosomiasis in Kwabeng, Ghana. Using data collection from health and community surveys as well as a feasibility study performed by members of the 2004 Capstone group, the most appropriate engineering intervention was found to be a water recreation area (WRA). Our project focuses on the design and construction of the WRA to reduce the incidence and severity of schistosomiasis i