Water scarcity grips Lafia residents, prompting calls for urgent solutions
Lafia, the capital of Nasarawa State, is grappling with severe water scarcity, leaving residents in distress as they endure prolonged searches for clean water, as reported by Daily Trust Saturday.
The acute shortage of potable water in the city has persisted for the past two months, attributed to the Nasarawa State Water Board’s inability to pump water due to erratic electricity supply to the state capital.
Investigations conducted by our correspondent reveal the dire situation faced by residents, who now resort to purchasing water from vendors of questionable water quality. Many households are compelled to venture into suburban areas in pursuit of water, while women and children often brave nocturnal journeys in search of this essential resource, often with little success.
Speaking to our correspondent, residents voiced their reliance on dubious water sources, highlighting the associated health risks. Some residents have resorted to arranging private water supply services through water tanker deliveries to alleviate the daily hardships caused by the water crisis.
In various neighborhoods such as Abuja Street, Makurdi Road, UC Road, and Tudun Kwandara, residents express disappointment and frustration over the worsening situation.
Musa Amodu, a resident of Tudun Abu near Government House Lafia, recounted the financial burden endured by tenants pooling resources to hire generators for pumping water amidst erratic electricity supply.
Ibrahim Yusuf of Angwan Jugu area lamented the escalating cost of water, emphasizing the strain on household budgets.
Calls for assistance have emerged, with appeals directed at homeowners with boreholes to share water resources, while urging Governor Abdullahi Sule to urgently address the persistent power supply challenges exacerbating the water crisis.
Eng. Baro Ahmed, the Regional Manager of Abuja Electricity Distribution Company (AEDC), cited inadequate power generation as the underlying cause of power supply irregularities, with Lafia receiving a fraction of its usual electricity allocation.
Isa Mohammed, the AEDC Lafia Manager, underscored the potential benefits of additional power substations in mitigating power supply issues.
In response, the Nasarawa State government, represented by Commissioner for Water Resources and Rural Development, Abubakar Akum, reaffirmed its commitment to resolving water supply challenges across the state, pledging decisive action to alleviate the plight of affected communities.
