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Residents lament as water scarcity hits Kaduna

By Saxone Akhaine, Kaduna
19 April 2018   |   3:03 am
As power outage continues to plunge residents of Kaduna State in darkness, water scarcity has been reported in many parts of the metropolis, investigation has revealed.  When The Guardian went round communities within the metropolis, it was gathered that the water scarcity is severe in some places as residents scampered to get water from other…

Kaduna State governor Nasir El-Rufai PHOTO: TWITTER/GOVERNOR KADUNA

As power outage continues to plunge residents of Kaduna State in darkness, water scarcity has been reported in many parts of the metropolis, investigation has revealed. 

When The Guardian went round communities within the metropolis, it was gathered that the water scarcity is severe in some places as residents scampered to get water from other unhygienic sources to meet their domestic needs. 

Residents of some affected communities also revealed that the pipe-borne water supply was in most cases not conducive for human consumption as it has too much dirt under the container after hours when it settles down. 

Areas mostly affected by the scarcity include Sabon Tasha, Ungwan boro, Television garage, Kawo among others in Kaduna north and south local councils. In Kakuri, Hayan Banki, Romi, Narayi and Ugwan Rimi areas, the stories are the same. 

Besides, concerned government sources also confirmed that the scarcity is being experienced in almost every community in the metropolis. 

Findings revealed that the community, with an estimated population of over 300,000 has been having the persistent problem of dry taps. “The problem has been lingering for too long and there seems to be no end in sight,” a source said.

The Chief of Matari West Community, Deacon Bawa Arege, expressed dismay that politicians made all sort of promises including provision of pipe-borne water when canvassing for votes “but immediately they were elected into office, they dumped the community.”

Arege also lamented the absence of electricity and good roads in the community, which has made life difficult for residents. However, he said succour was brought to the area few weeks ago when a Christian leader, Evangelist Matthew Owojaiye sunk two boreholes in the community.

On his own part, the youth leader of Matari West community, Mr. Toyin Johnson, said residents have been suffering in their daily search for water.

Meanwhile, officials of the World Health Organisation (WHO) in Kaduna office donated motorcycles to all the 23 local councils in the state to assist health personnel in disease surveillance.

The WHO state coordinator, Dr. Dauda Madubu, said the motorcycles were distributed to help in terms of controlling and combating the outbreak of diseases in the state. He said the motorcycles provided to each of the 23 councils would also help in the investigation of any suspected disease outbreak and regular supervision of surveillance activities in rural areas.

According to him, surveillance requires prompt reporting from community members, including religious leaders and traditional rulers. “When there is any disease, which is not reported early then it will become a big problem in the state,’’ he said.

The Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Health, Mallam Shehu Mohammed, who received the motorcycles on behalf of the commissioner, pledged government’s determination to strengthen disease surveillance in the state.

He said one of the challenges the surveillance officers were facing was lack of logistics and transportation to cover remote communities.

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