As the world commemorates World Water Day, the harsh reality for millions of Nigerians comes to the forefrontโclean and safe water remains a privilege accessible only to the wealthy, while the poor continue to struggle with inadequate access to this fundamental human right.
Ale Micheal, Co-founder and President of the Safe Water for Africa Community Initiative (SWACI), made this known to the pressmen highlighting numerous challenges facing poor Nigerians in accessing clean water during an interview with journalists to mark this yearโs World Water Day.
According to him, one of the primary obstacles is the exorbitant cost of drilling boreholes, which in many communities is the only reliable source of clean water. “The cost of drilling a borehole ranges between โฆ1.5 million and โฆ26 million, a sum far beyond the means of many Nigerians living in poverty”.
“Another critical issue is the frequent breakdown of borehole infrastructure. Many community boreholes, often donated by the government, groups, philanthropists, or politicians, become non-functional shortly after commissioning due to poor maintenance. Additionally, government-owned water treatment plants and pipelines are in a state of disrepair, forcing millions to rely on expensive or contaminated water sources. This has led to the rampant spread of waterborne diseases such as cholera and diarrhea, clear indicators of developmental stagnation due to inadequate Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) facilities”, Ale stated.
The President of SWACI therefore emphasized the need for innovative and sustainable approaches to water management. According to him,ย one of such initiatives is the Borehole Management System Software (BAMS), a digital platform designed to help borehole operators manage their water sources more efficiently, reducing operational costs and improving access to clean water.
โGovernments should focus on reviving and maintaining existing boreholes rather than investing in new ones that might also become neglected,โ Micheal stated. He further revealed that SWACI, in collaboration with other organizations, has developed solutions to address these infrastructural challenges and improve water accessibility in Nigeria.
“The introduction of BAMS, along with other innovative solutions like the POVA, Project Outcome Validation Aggregator, requires robust support from private investors, government bodies, NGOs, volunteers, and water associations. These stakeholders must step up efforts to ensure efficient water management, particularly in underserved communities”, Ale added.
Ale also spoke on the role of government agencies and NGOs as crucial in resolving Nigeriaโs water crisis. He said: “They must collaborate to provide financial and technical support to communities and borehole operators to guarantee a sustainable supply of clean water.
Ale, who also serves as the Chairman of Male Integrated Science, a renowned borehole drilling company, commended collective efforts such as those of the Ibadan Descendant Union (IDU) in Texas, USA. Through the WATER ROOT CONNECT program, the IDU has constructed close to 22 solar-powered boreholes in the Ibadan community, providing relief to residents who have long been deprived of such a vital resource. He praised the initiative as a sign of commitment and support, emphasizing that the government alone cannot solve Nigeriaโs water problems. He urged other well-meaning Nigerians and groups to emulate the IDUโs efforts.
“As we reflect on the significance of World Water Day, it is essential to recognize that water is first a social good before being an economic commodity. Access to clean water is a fundamental human right, and it is the collective responsibility of all stakeholders to ensure that this right is upheld for every Nigerians, regardless of economic status”, Ale charged.
He therefore call on private borehole owners and investors to support innovative solutions such as BAMS and POVA to enhance borehole and waterworks management.
He said: “Government agencies and NGOs should provide funding and technical assistance to ensure the efficient operation of water infrastructure.
“Communities must advocate for accountability in water resource management to prevent further neglect of essential facilities to make clean and safe water a reality for all Nigerians”, Ale advised.
