Averting Water Crisis Through Sustainable Solutions

Nigeria currently grapples with a severe water crisis, despite having vast water resources. Rapid population growth, inadequate infrastructure, and poor management lead to significant challenges in providing clean water. Efforts are underway to enhance water supply, but regulatory enforcement remains weak, endangering long-term sustainability and access to safe drinking water. The government must focus on innovative solutions and infrastructure investment to avert future crises.

Water is an essential resource that is currently under severe threat due to climate change and human activities. In Nigeria and globally, water plays a critical role in economic development, agricultural productivity, public health, and environmental sustainability. Despite vast water resources, inadequate infrastructure and rapid population growth have led to significant challenges in water access, with millions lacking access to clean drinking water.

Nigeria possesses an estimated water capacity of 359 billion cubic meters from various sources; however, insufficient public systems have resulted in daily water shortages, leading to reliance on private boreholes. This has met immediate needs but raises concerns about the long-term availability of groundwater, as excessive drilling depletes reserves. Experts warn that the lack of regulation in the borehole drilling process threatens sustainability and water quality.

The World Health Organization emphasizes that a minimum of 50 liters of water per person per day is necessary for basic needs, yet many Nigerians struggle to secure even half that amount. Rural communities experience particularly severe hardships, with individuals often traveling long distances for water. Even cities like Lagos, rich in water sources, face shortage challenges, prompting the growth of a billion-naira bottled water industry.

The Nigerian government is attempting to address these issues through the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Water Board, which is implementing projects and allocating substantial funds for infrastructure improvements. The 2024 budget includes 9 billion naira aimed at enhancing water supply and sanitation. The FCT Water Board has initiated the Greater Abuja Water Project to expand access to potable water across various districts.

Despite these efforts, regulatory enforcement regarding water management remains weak, particularly concerning borehole drilling. The National Water Policy aims to govern water resources more effectively, yet enforcement fails to meet expectations. The alarming prevalence of pollution and unsafe water sources exacerbates health risks, with UNICEF reporting that one-third of Nigeria’s water is contaminated, leading to diseases.

Communities are often encouraged to drill boreholes out of necessity; however, the absence of comprehensive regulations complicates these efforts. Stakeholders suggest that the government focus more on building infrastructure rather than allowing unregulated drilling. Proposed budgets for 2025 emphasize improved water supply systems, further underscoring the importance of sustainable water management as Nigeria’s population grows and water demand increases.

In summary, Nigeria faces a pressing water crisis exacerbated by inadequate infrastructure, poor regulatory enforcement, and rising demand. While significant initiatives have been proposed to improve water accessibility and management, a sustainable approach is essential to protect this critical resource. It is imperative for the government to prioritize investment in modern water infrastructure, enforce existing policies effectively, and ensure that communities have access to clean water, safeguarding against future conflicts and health crises related to water scarcity.

Original Source: nannews.ng