Lagos residents are calling on the state government to prioritize the provision of potable water, as many neighborhoods continue to suffer from severe water shortages.
In interviews with the News Agency of Nigeria, residents across various parts of the city expressed frustration over the high costs of alternative water sources and the health risks posed by contaminated water.
Mr. Ibrahim Mustapha, a businessman from Akowonjo, lamented the ongoing scarcity, stating, “I am a 54-year-old man, and I can tell you that the last time I enjoyed public-sourced potable water was in my youth days.”
Mrs. Folake Davies, a dentist living in Yaba, highlighted the financial strain the water shortage places on households, adding, “This has resulted in buying sachet water for drinking and borehole water in gallons for other domestic use, which is adding an extra financial burden on residents.”
The situation is equally dire in Makoko, where Mr. Saheed Abbas, an artisan, described how residents trek long distances to find clean water, saying, “Some of them even use motorcycles to get clean water.”
Despite the hardships, there are areas like Lekki where initiatives have helped mitigate the water crisis.
Mrs. Ese Ayanwun, a local resident, shared how her neighborhood had benefited from a water storage tank initiative, offering much-needed relief.
Dr. Tunji Akintade, a general physician, emphasized the importance of safe water access for public health, warning, “Contaminated water and poor sanitation are linked to diseases such as cholera, typhoid, and diarrhea.”
The Lagos State government has acknowledged the crisis. Commissioner for Environment and Water Resources, Mr. Tokunbo Wahab, assured residents that efforts are underway to resolve the water shortage, with plans to provide constant water supply by 2027. Wahab stated, “With 70 million gallons, the majority of Lagos houses and homes will have pipe-borne water, which is our target.”
The government’s promise comes amid growing concern over the health and economic impact of the ongoing water scarcity.