mortality at 44 per 1r000. Almost all the available health services are concentrated in the two main cities of Malabo and Bat,a. The principal health problems are: high incidence of transmittable diseasesl lack of potable nater, basic sanitation and health educationl malnutrition and undernourishment of the child population; insufficient supply of essential drugs; and inadequacy of health services including hospitals and dispensaries. 38. Basic wat,er supply in the country is inadequate. Only about half of the towns on Bioko have water pipes, but most of these are in very bad conditions. In most cases, one public tap serves a whole communityi on average, there is a water tap for about 424 habitants. There is no water supply in many part,s of the country during the dry season which lasts for about five months every year. llater treatment is non-existent or unsatisfactory and, as a conseguence, water-borne diseases are guite prevalent. 7. PubLic enterprises 39. Public enterprises operate for air, maritine and surface transport,ation, electricity, import and distrubution of petrol and petroleum by-products, commerce, and brick-making. These enterprises operate directly under the ExecuLive Directorate General of Public Enterprises. However, the responsibilities of the Executive Directorate General and the concerned Ministries overlap and create administrative difficulties. The enterprises are not autonomous and their management and operations suffer from a lack of mot.ivation, low salaries and a lack of trained personnel. In most cases, there are no investment plans and no budgeting; eguipment is inadequate, its maintenance poor and spare parts in sbort supply. These enterprises are partly financed with proceeds from earmarked revenues but also depend on heavy Goveqnment subsidies. The extent of losses suffered by these enterprises is not known but it is eonsidered to be substantial. The basic role of these enterprises is important because they operate in the
**Analysis**
The text primarily discusses the challenges and issues faced by the country in terms of access to basic services, infrastructure, and resources. It highlights the lack of potable water, inadequate health services, and insufficient supply of essential drugs, which are all crucial for the well-being of the population. Additionally, it touches on the inefficiencies of public enterprises, which are responsible for various sectors such as transportation, electricity, and commerce. This suggests that the text is more focused on the country's socio-economic development rather than its natural resources, agriculture, or humanitarian aid.

**Category**
Health, Economic development