BY OLORUNDARE OLUWASEYI AKINWALE

In the Ogun communities of Lisa, Latoro, Mayungbo, Ijagun, Gbadamo, Ewu Ode, and Ewu Oloja, the daily struggle for water has been a persistent challenge for the residents, particularly women who travel long distances to fetch water from distant wells.

Despite the hardships, communities like Mayungbo exhibit resilience by supporting one another during water shortages, fostering a sense of hope for a brighter future.

While local efforts and non-governmental organizations strive to provide sustainable water solutions, residents of Latoro and Mayungbo dream of a day when accessing water is as simple as turning on a tap, especially for children.

Addressing this crucial need, the federal ministry of water resources and sanitation inaugurated the Sagamu Water-Health Centre in Ogun State on May 26, 2023, under the Partnership for Expanded Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (PEWASH) phase II implementation program. This initiative signifies the government’s commitment to delivering clean water to rural areas.

The lack of potable water in Ogun State has spurred communities to initiate change, emphasizing the importance of clean water for a healthier future. Community member Amos Adigun highlighted the reliance on unsanitary water sources, stating, “Some of us have no choice but to use water, so we have to walk great distances to retrieve from rivers and streams.”

The Sagamu Water Supply Project, titled “Sustainable Drinking Water Solutions,” is a critical infrastructure milestone serving the daily needs of 20,000 people, offering hope to Ogun communities. PEWASH, active for 15 years, has constructed 3,321 facilities across 19 states, benefiting an estimated 5,262,189 people. Water-Health Centres like the one in Sagamu operate under an innovative waterpreneur scheme, strategically located to serve local communities.

PEWASH National Coordinator, Mrs. Jummai Wakaso, emphasized the collaboration with local communities, stating that the Sagamu Water-Health Centre will be a hub for health and wellbeing, incorporating multimedia, filtration systems, and borehole development. The project follows specific guidelines to ensure sustainability and a healthy future for the rural population.

Dr. Jane Bevan, UNICEF’s Chief of WASH, highlighted the essential nature of clean water access for children and vulnerable families, considering it a lifeline that shapes their future and well-being.

She stressed the importance of improved sanitation and water access as a crucial narrative for positive change.

Dr. Nicholas Madu, Director of the Ministry of Water Resources and Sanitation’s Water Supply and Support Services emphasized the government’s commitment to enhancing rural access to potable water and warned against subpar work.

Nigeria’s Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Prof. Joseph Utsev, pledged to implement President Bola Tinubu’s water and sanitation sector blueprint, focusing on poverty and inequality reduction through a shared value approach.

Experts, including Attah Benson, the National Coordinator of Society for Water and Sanitation, stressed the need to prioritize WASH programs to combat water and environment-borne diseases, addressing open defecation and collaborating with stakeholders.

Alhaji Bello Goronyo, the Minister of State, highlighted the vital role of water in sustaining life, productivity, and well-being, emphasizing its role in driving rapid development.

The collaboration between all parties involved brings hope for improved living conditions as Nigeria progresses toward enhanced water and sanitation services, aligning with ambitious sustainable development goals.