WRITTEN BY OBI NWANKWO

World Water Day is commemorated every 22nd March as a means of focusing attention on the importance of fresh water and advocating for the sustainable management of fresh water resources. Safe water can be defined as water that is accessible on the premises, available when needed and free from contamination. The theme for this year is ‘Leaving no one behind’.

Globally, billions of people are still living without safe water, with their households, schools, workplaces, farms and factories struggling to survive and thrive. Vulnerable groups such as women, children, refugees, physically challenged people etcetera are often overlooked and sometimes face discrimination as they try to access and manage safe water they need.

Nigeria is so rich in water resources that many of its states are named after rivers. In addition to surface water found in nearly every part of the country, there is also plenty stored in the ground. Thus, one would think that Nigerians have plenty of water to drink. Unfortunately, this is not the case. In fact, only 19% of Nigeria’s population has access to safe drinking water. This is a far cry from the water consumption standards set by WHO.

Another problem that makes water accessibility difficult to all in Nigeria is that authorities managing water do not sufficiently engage with the people. Infrastructure in communities tends to collapse when users are not involved in planning and running it.

Nigeria aims to provide water that meets the standards set out by the World Health Organization. Nevertheless, in practice, poor regulatory, legal and institutional frameworks prevent this. Hence, evidence abounds on many abuses meted to the environment in various parts of the country which impact negatively on the water resources and human health by extension.

Thus, it is common to see waste dumped in rivers and streams. Pollution has led to high levels of toxic chemicals such as metals and pesticides being reported in Nigeria water resources. Of particular mention in this regard is the act of open defecation. This has remained a common practice within cities and towns in Nigeria.

Open defecation is done by the roadsides, in bushes and at dumpsites whenever nature calls. This unfortunate practice is attributed largely to near absence of public toilet facilities and, often, not properly managed where they exist. More worrisome is lack of sanitary facilities in some residences.

Nigeria presently ranks number two in the global rating on open defecation as about 25% of our population is practicing open defecation. It is no exaggerating the fact that 80% of health issues in the country are water related like diarrhea, typhoid, cholera etcetera. This could be attributed to improper sanitation and hygiene management.

In view of this disturbing statistics, the Federal Government, on November 8, 2018, declared a state of emergency on Water, Sanitation and Hygiene sector (WASH). This effort is geared towards improving access to water supply and sanitation services beyond the present rates by 2030.

Commendably, Anambra State has demonstrated strong commitment in achieving these targets, as the state, under Governor Willie Obiano, has sustained partnership with the European Union-UNICEF assisted Rural Water Supply, and Sanitation Agency RUWASSA programme to provide potable water facilities and improve sanitation and hygiene conditions of the rural communities in the state.

Strong advocacy on the need for an open defecation free society in Anambra State, spear headed by the wife of the Governor Chief Dr. Ebelechukwu Obiano in her capacity as the state’s WASH AMBASSADOR and in partnership with the Traditional Rulers and various Town Unions leadership is yielding the desired result. Also, through the Community Choose Your Project Initiative of the Obiano administration, a number of public toilet facilities have been constructed in Parks, Schools and Markets.

Evidently, the present administration is resolute at ensuring total resuscitation of the once dead water sector in the state in other to bequeath an endearing legacy to Ndi Anambra. Therefore, it behooves on Ndi Anambra to raise their consciousness towards adopting safe water resources management practices and good sanitation and hygiene culture that will promote the general wellbeing of all.

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