As the cholera outbreak worsens, with 25 cases reported at Kirikiri Prison in Lagos, residents are sounding the alarm about the lack of access to clean public water.
In interviews with the News Agency of Nigeria, they voiced concerns about their vulnerability to cholera due to the absence of safe drinking water.
This outcry comes despite the Lagos State Water Corporation’s assurance that its water supply meets World Health Organization standards.
For years, residents have had to rely on boreholes because the public water system has been dysfunctional, leaving them at risk of waterborne diseases.
Mrs. Abimbola Oloyede, a resident of Egbeda in Alimosho Local Government Area, revealed that public water supply has been unavailable in her area for a long time, highlighting the urgent need for improved water services.
She stated, “I don’t use public water in my area. The unavailability of public water increased household expenditure as we have to now buy sachet water for drinking and also borehole water in gallons for other domestic use.
“This adds an extra financial burden on the residents who are struggling already and poses environmental challenges as the environment is littered with sachet water”.
Oloyede urged the Lagos State Water Corporation to make public water readily available, ensuring that residents have access to clean and safe drinking water.
Meanwhile, Mrs. Bolaji Adesewa, a resident of Ikorodu, echoed the sentiment, revealing that the LWC has been inactive in the area for many years, depriving residents of a reliable source of clean water.
“We all have boreholes that we depend on. Even though we can’t drink from them, we use it for domestic use.
“We are also careful of the water we drink because of the cholera outbreak in town. The LWC should act fast so we can enjoy potable water in Ikorodu.
“Water scarcity is also challenge the ability of the residents to keep up with sanitation and healthy living habits,” she lamented.
Mr. Ayo Musari, a resident of Lekki, Lagos Island, expressed frustration that he has not had access to public water supply from the Lagos State Water Corporation (LWC) since he moved into the area, with no signs of its availability.
“I buy water to drink, which is expensive. And you know that we need to be very careful because of the cholera outbreak in town.
“The LWC needs to be well-funded to function as expected in terms of water delivery. With this, everyone will have access to safe and potable water, free from contamination,” he highlighted.
