Residents in five agrarian communities of Ogun State are grappling with severe hardships due to a lack of potable water. These communities are forced to fetch water from contaminated streams and rivers or travel long distances to the Benin Republic for clean water.
An investigation by PUNCH Healthwise revealed that the lack of clean water has led to numerous deaths and widespread health issues. Residents have been suffering from gastrointestinal diseases, skin infections, and other severe illnesses for years.
Out of desperation, many have turned to prayer, hoping for a miracle to bring them water. Yet, their lives remain entrenched in hardship and uncertainty.
David Adenusi shared the tragic story of his son Solomon, who was killed by suspected herdsmen during a trip to fetch water from a borehole in Owode, Benin Republic. Solomon’s death highlights the dangers these communities face in their quest for clean water.
Following Solomon’s death, Adenusi and his family have resorted to using dirty water from community-dug streams. They know the water is unsafe, often causing diarrhea and stomach cramps, but they have no alternatives.
This dire situation underscores the persistent challenges in Asaa and its neighboring communities. Many residents, including community leaders, report frequent illnesses after consuming contaminated water. Children miss school, and pregnant women often give birth while searching for water.
Despite reassurances from the Ogun State government about improving water access, these communities remain without even hand-dug wells. The state’s significant budget allocations for water supply have not translated into tangible improvements for these residents.
Male residents have been forced to dig ditches to access unclean water during dry seasons, which become streams of dirty water during rains. These ditches, filled with greenish water and debris, serve multiple purposes, including drinking, cooking, and bathing.
The traditional ruler of Asaa, Adele Baale Matthew Olukoku, lamented that the water has led to numerous waterborne illnesses. Despite the significant budget for water resources, not a single borehole has been constructed in Asaa or its neighboring communities within a 20km radius.
Joseph Oga, the community leader of Agbelepon, revealed that numerous deaths linked to waterborne diseases have occurred. Residents face the grim choice of drinking contaminated water or embarking on perilous journeys to fetch clean water from Benin Republic.
Youth leader Adebisi Oludokun confirmed that cholera and other waterborne diseases have become common. Residents have resorted to using traditional herbs for treatment due to the lack of functional hospitals.
The World Health Organization emphasizes the importance of access to clean water and sanitation, yet many Nigerians still lack these basic necessities. Ogun State is no exception, with a significant portion of its population consuming water contaminated with E. coli.
Residents of Asaa and other affected communities have threatened to seek citizenship in Benin Republic if their needs are not addressed. Public health expert Dr. Ademola Oyero warns that unclean water poses significant health risks, particularly to children and the elderly.
Efforts are underway to address the crisis. The chairman of Yewa North LG, Ogunyomi Oluwole, stated that Mrs. Temitope Adeola, the wife of Senator Solomon Ademola, has pledged to provide a motorized borehole and reconstruct the local maternity center. Residents hope these promises will soon materialize, alleviating their long-standing suffering.
