The unprecedented water scarcity in Jos

At the time oil is expensive in Nigeria, when inflation is rising and the level of poverty is getting scarier, Jos, the capital of Plateau State, has sadly fallen into yet another challenge of water scarcity. Although some communities in the city have been in this challenge for many years, the present scarcity is, however, […]

At the time oil is expensive in Nigeria, when inflation is rising and the level of poverty is getting scarier, Jos, the capital of Plateau State, has sadly fallen into yet another challenge of water scarcity. Although some communities in the city have been in this challenge for many years, the present scarcity is, however, unprecedented. 

It is sad seeing people, especially women and children, trekking long distances day and night in search for water. Some of the most affected communities are: Rikkos, Gangare, Nasarawa Gwong, Anguwar Rogo, Anguwar Rimi and Dilimi. Getting water vendors in these places is a herculean task– this is even for those that have the money to buy. 

Tudun Osi, a place in Rikkos used to be a source of potable water for a lot of people. The place had both tap water supply and robust wells. Unfortunately, the supply of tap water has stopped now. Wells have dried up, perhaps, because of the sinking of boreholes which draw up most of the water around. While some owners of boreholes give out water to their neighbours four free, others sell.

For communities that used to be free from water scarcity, the problem has been attributed to the construction of overhead bridge at British-America Junction, close to Plateau State Water Board. The pipes that supplied water to some communities were uprooted when the project commenced recently. But for other communities, one cannot precisely say the reason.

In this critical situation, the outbreak of water-borne diseases loom.

Muslims who are observing their fast throughout the month of April are in a trying time. Christians will be robbed of the full flavour of Easter celebration in this critical time, because water, as everyone knows, is essential for life.

It now behoves the Plateau State Government and Jos North Local Government to take immediate action. The members of State House of Assembly and members of the National Assembly representing the affected communities should make their constituents feel the impact of representation. For the rich, it is now a moment of handsomely rewardable charity–it must not only be left to the government.

Abdul Mutallib Mukar wrote from Jos ([email protected])