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Celebrating World Water Day: Access to clean water amidst the Climate Change in Nigeria

By Itunu Azeez Kareem
22 March 2023   |   2:49 pm
March 22nd marks the annual celebration of World Water Day, which aims to raise awareness about the significance of water and advocate for the sustainable management of freshwater resources.

[FILES] Tap water. PHOTO: Getty Images

March 22nd marks the annual celebration of World Water Day, which aims to raise awareness about the significance of water and advocate for the sustainable management of freshwater resources.

The United Nations General Assembly first designated this day in 1993, and each year, it highlights a specific theme relating to water.

The 2023 theme for World Water Day is “Water and Climate Change,” emphasizing the pressing need to address the impacts of climate change on freshwater resources. Climate change has been linked to water-related issues such as floods, droughts, and water scarcity, which pose significant threats to human health, food security, and the environment.

Approximately 2.2 billion people worldwide lack access to safe drinking water, while 4.2 billion people lack access to safely managed sanitation services, according to the United Nations.

These figures emphasize the importance of taking action to ensure the sustainable management of freshwater resources.

World Water Day provides a valuable opportunity to promote the significance of water conservation and efficient water use. Governments, NGOs, and individuals alike can take measures to encourage water conservation, including reducing water waste, promoting water-efficient practices, and investing in water infrastructure.

Furthermore, World Water Day serves as a platform to highlight the interconnectedness of water and various global issues such as poverty, gender equality, and health. For instance, clean water and sanitation are crucial in reducing the transmission of waterborne diseases and improving maternal and child health. This emphasizes the significance of sustainable management of freshwater
resources and water conservation efforts for a healthy and sustainable future.

The Water Challenges In Africa
In Africa, World Water Day is observed with a particular focus on the region’s unique water challenges. Despite abundant water resources such as rivers, lakes, and aquifers, access to clean and safe water remains a significant obstacle for many, particularly those in rural areas. The lack of infrastructure, including piped water and sanitation systems, leads to dependence on unsafe water sources, resulting in high rates of waterborne diseases.

To address these issues, various organizations, governments, and communities across Africa utilize World Water Day to raise awareness about water’s importance, advocate for better water management policies, and promote sustainable water practices. These efforts encompass education campaigns, community events, and policy forums aimed at increasing access to clean and safe water for all Africans.

Accessing Clean Water in Nigeria.

In Nigeria, the challenge of accessing clean and safe water is particularly acute, especially in rural areas. UNICEF estimates that 60 million people lack access to safe water sources, while 130 million do not have access to adequate sanitation facilities.

Access to water in urban areas is relatively better, but the quality of water is often poor due to inadequate treatment and distribution infrastructure. Many households rely on expensive and unreliable sources such as boreholes, wells, and water vendors for their water supply.

On the other hand, the situation in rural areas is much worse, with many communities lacking access to basic water infrastructure. They often rely on unsafe sources like streams, ponds, and open wells, which can be contaminated and increase the risk of waterborne diseases like cholera, typhoid fever, and diarrhoea.

The Nigerian government acknowledges the importance of improving access to water and has invested in water infrastructure. However, progress has been slow, and there is still a long way to go to ensure that all Nigerians have access to clean and safe water.

In Nigeria, obtaining clean water is a considerable obstacle, particularly in rural regions. According to the World Health Organization, just 64% of Nigerians have access to improved drinking water sources, and only 30% have access to basic sanitation facilities.

  • There are several methods for obtaining clean water in Nigeria, including
  • boiling water for at least one minute to eliminate most bacteria and viruses,
  •  utilizing water filtration systems such as gravity-fed filters, activated carbon filters, and reverse osmosis filters, accessing water treatment plants in urban areas,
  • harvesting rainwater in regions with abundant rainfall, and constructing and maintaining wells in rural areas.

 

However, enhancing access to clean water in Nigeria necessitates government involvement and investment in infrastructure, as well as community education and awareness programs to encourage the significance of clean water and appropriate sanitation practices.
We hope and join the process, especially towards a new dispensation, that as time moves forward, Nigerians will value and have access to clean and stable water.

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