Residents of Lokoja in Kogi State have decried the continued shortage of potable water supply in the state capital.
A cross section of the people in separate interviews with the News Agency of Nigeria on Tuesday in Lokoja, said the shortage was having untold hardship on their lives.
Joy Obaje, who lives in Phase 2 Estate, said the situation had worsened that her family had resorted to buying a 20-litre Jerry can of water at N75.
Obaje said: “We used to enjoy regular water supply in this area before, but it has not been the same for some weeks now.”
She, therefore, appealed to the state government to urgently direct the state water board to restore water supply to the people.
Ahmadu Bello said the water shortage had affected his children’s health, saying that he had resorted to finding alternative source of safe drinking water.
Tope Ojo, a civil servant, however, noted that the present state government within its short period in office had tried to bring about improvement in supply of potable water across the state.
Ojo said: “I think the recent water shortage is caused by the current power outage in the state as electricity is needed to power the water treatment plant.
“This new government is really trying to ensure that there is regular water supply and we really appreciate the gesture.”
Bayo Adeyefa, a health worker, however, hinted that irregular potable water supply might result in the outbreak of various communicable diseases.
According to Adeyefa, the consumption of untreated water such as well and river water could lead to water related diseases like cholera, diarrhoea.
He implored the relevant authorities to ensure immediate supply of adequate potable water across the state.
Ramat Salihu, a trader, said the hardship of getting drinking water was ameliorated by the rain that fell on Monday and three days ago in Lokoja.
Saliva said: “We have resorted to drinking well and rain water in my family for some days now, but we thank God for the rain that fell recently.
“We are calling on our new Governor, Alhaji Yahaya Bello, to ensure that all of us in the state have regular access to safe drinking water.”
However, the General Manager of the State Water Board, Isaac Ogwuche, told NAN that the recent shortage of water supply was occasioned by the frequent power outages and fuel scarcity being experienced in the state.
Ogwuche said: “There is a limit to the volume of water the board can supply when there is no regular power supply or diesel to power the water treatment plants.
“Sometimes, we also experience damaged water valves, which make us to shut down the water from the source.
“Whenever this happens, we shut down the water to avoid wastage and it takes like one or two days to repair it depending on the level of damage.”
Ogwuche, however, noted that water supply has just been restored and appealed to residents to always report any damaged pipes noticed in their areas to the board.
