As Nigeria joins the rest of the world to mark World Water Day, residents of Lokoja have lamented the persistent water scarcity in the Kogi State capital.
In a separate interviews carried by Radio Nigeria, residents described the daily struggle to access potable water, noting that many are forced to search for water at odd hours.
A resident of Angwan Pawa, Labaran Bawa, said women often walk long distances to fetch water from streams, wells and boreholes, while children are frequently late for school due to water-related chores.
In the Cantonment area, Alex Yakubu said households spend between N10,000 and N15,000 weekly on water vendors, describing the situation as unsustainable.
Another resident, Abiodun Olufemi of Karaworo, said he drives around with containers in search of water from private sources, relying on the goodwill of individuals who allow access to their taps.
Safe Drinking Water
Residents also expressed concern that despite Lokoja’s location at the confluence of the River Niger and River Benue, access to safe drinking water remains limited. Sumaila Isah of the Kabawa area described the situation as worrisome.
Similarly, Thearesa Thumus said the scarcity has made household chores difficult, contributing to poor sanitation and potential health risks.
The residents called on the Kogi State Government to urgently address the situation and restore public water supply to affected communities.
