Access to potable water remains one of the crucial factors for promoting healthy living, economic development, and overall wellbeing of human beings, but over the years, provision of potable water seems to have become elusive at the detriment of citizens.
Abeokuta, the capital city of Ogun State, Nigeria, has been grappling with a severe water shortage, affecting the daily lives of its residents. However, in the face of this challenge, residents have demonstrated remarkable resilience and resourcefulness, finding innovative ways to cope with the scarcity.
The popular lyrics by renowned Afro Beat musician, Fela Anikulapo Kuti that “water no get enemy” attests to the crucial significance of water in human existence and the quest for potable water has become a perpetual burden on the society.
Resident’s response to the drought
Gone were the days when pipe borne water was adequately available with the display of tap water on major streets for residents to access potable water, rather, only those buoyant enough to drill boreholes or provide machine pumped wells afford to draw water from taps in the present day Nigeria.
In response to the water shortage, residents have turned to alternative sources of water, such as boreholes, wells, and rainwater harvesting. Many have also adopted water-conserving practices, such as using buckets instead of showers and collecting water from other sources for non-potable purposes.
Speaking on the development, some residents of Ogun State have urged the government at different levels to strengthen the efforts at ensuring access to potable water, to enhance citizens’ well-being and prevent the outbreak of communicable diseases, such as cholera and diarrhea.
Reacting to the situation, the Acting General Manager, Ogun State Water Corporation, Mrs. Olubunmi Oyeneye said the government was diligently working to eradicate water shortages and ensure the availability of potable water throughout the state.
Mrs Oyeneye said the maintenance and repair of leakages and burst pipes, and aging water infrastructure had commenced in different parts of the state to enable the residents to have uninterrupted potable water supply.
One resident, Mrs. Olufunke, has taken matters into her own hands by constructing a rainwater harvesting system in her backyard. “I was tired of relying on the municipal water supply, which is often unreliable,” she explained. “Now, I can collect and store rainwater for my household needs.”
How residents of Abeokuta have been able to tackle to problem of shortage of water during the ‘dry season.’
Abeokuta residents have been struggling with water shortage in most part of the city, while those who can afford the cost have decided to sink a borehole, the poor are being left to their fate.
Adigbe and Quarry road residents especially are trying to cope, an interview with some of the residents reveals a major coping strategy within the communities. Mrs. Biola, a resident of Quarry Abeokuta said the well in her compound is almost dry, each tenant/family in the compound has a day and the well to themselves for 24 hours,“…You will put your padlock there, fetch and store your water, that is all you have till the next week.” Another resident, Michael who lives at Onikoko, said he buys water from vendors who sell water with tanks. Those who cannot afford to buy from these vendors will continue to suffer till the raining season comes.
A bold step
In a better development, a community in Saraki Odemo axis, through community efforts got a massive borehole for themselves. This has brought a relief to the resident of their community. They drilled the borehole and also installed solar panels to power the pumping machine.
This laudable project should be copied by other communities where people suffer shortage of water. If the landlord association through community effort would put money together, they can drill industrial solar powered boreholes that will end their problem of water shortage.
There is a similar case of ‘Women in Nasarawa community’ (as reported by solutionjournalism.com), who contributed their five Thousand Naira monthly stipend given to them by the Federal Government of Nigeria in 2023 to provide portable water for themselves.
Data proven
Data from the Ogun State Water Corporation shows that the number of residents relying on alternative sources of water has increased by 25% in the past year. Additionally, a survey conducted by the Abeokuta Municipal Government found that 75% of residents reported reducing their water usage by adopting water-conserving practices.
Potential drawbacks to water shortage
Despite the progress made, challenges remain. Many residents in some parts of Abeokuta still lack access to reliable and affordable water sources, and the water shortage continues to affect the city’s most vulnerable populations, including the elderly and young children.
Furthermore, the lack of coordination between government agencies and community groups, embezzlement and diversion or misappropriation of funds has hindered efforts to address the water shortage. If communities are able to get people of integrity to manage their financial contributions towards the project, in no time, their water shortage problem will be a thing of the past. However, by working together and sharing knowledge and resources, residents and authorities can overcome these challenges and build a more water-resilient future.
Conclusion
So far, the Adigbe Odemo is a success but it is too early to conclude; only time will tell. However, communities should begin to rise to solve their problems without relying too much on the government. The water shortage in Abeokuta is a complex and multifaceted challenge, but by embracing innovative solutions and adopting water-conserving practices, residents are taking charge of their water future. As the city continues to grow and develop, it is essential that authorities and residents work together to ensure that everyone has access to reliable, affordable, and sustainable water sources.
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