Summary
The **Kebetkache Women Development and Resource Centre**, a non-governmental organisation, has urged the **Federal and Rivers State governments** to provide constant water supply in **Bodo City, Gokana Local Government Area**, to stop water-related diseases in the community. This call was made on **International World Water Day**, with the theme 'Water and Gender', highlighting the importance of clean water for women and girls. According to **Emem Okon**, executive director of Kebetkache Women Development and Resource Centre, the lack of clean water affects women and girls the most, with **1 billion women** lacking clean and safe drinking water and girls spending **250 million hours a day** collecting it. The organisation has called on the government to involve women in water committees and support women water projects in various communities. The **Niger Delta** region, where **hydrocarbon pollution** is a major issue, has been particularly affected by the lack of clean water. **Stella Amayie**, a civil society activist, has also called on the government to make adequate budget allocations to provide clean water for citizens. The **Hydrocarbon Pollution Remediation Programme (HYPREP)** has been urged to look into the epileptic supply of water in the community. The issue of clean water is a critical one, with **2 billion people** worldwide lacking access to water supply. In Nigeria, the problem is exacerbated by the lack of budget allocations for water projects. The government has been urged to take action to address this issue, including involving women in water committees and supporting women water projects.
Key Takeaways
- The lack of clean water in Nigeria is a major issue, with 2 billion people worldwide lacking access to water supply
- The Nigerian government has been urged to provide constant water supply in Bodo City, Gokana Local Government Area
- The involvement of women in water committees and support for women water projects can help to address the specific needs of women and girls
- The provision of clean water is essential for achieving the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
- The private sector can play a role in investing in water and sanitation infrastructure and providing funding for water projects
Balanced Perspective
The issue of clean water in Nigeria is complex, with multiple factors contributing to the lack of access. While organisations like **Kebetkache Women Development and Resource Centre** are working to address the issue, the government's role is crucial in providing the necessary funding and infrastructure. The **Nigerian government** has made commitments to improve access to clean water, but more needs to be done to address the scale of the problem. The **World Health Organization (WHO)** has reported that **785 million people** worldwide lack access to even basic drinking water services, and Nigeria is one of the countries with the largest number of people lacking access to clean water.
Optimistic View
The call for clean water in communities is a step in the right direction, with organisations like **Kebetkache Women Development and Resource Centre** taking the lead. The involvement of women in water committees and support for women water projects can help to address the specific needs of women and girls in these communities. With the government's support, it is possible to provide clean water to all citizens, regardless of their location or socio-economic status. The **United Nations** has set a goal to achieve universal access to clean water by **2030**, and Nigeria can work towards achieving this goal. The **African Development Bank** has also launched initiatives to improve access to clean water in Africa, including the **Rural Water Supply and Sanitation Initiative**.
Critical View
The lack of clean water in Nigeria is a long-standing issue, and despite the efforts of organisations like **Kebetkache Women Development and Resource Centre**, it is unlikely that the government will take sufficient action to address the problem. The **corruption and mismanagement** that plague Nigeria's water sector mean that even if funding is allocated, it may not be used effectively. The **environmental impact** of hydrocarbon pollution in the Niger Delta region is also a major concern, and it will require significant investment and effort to clean up the pollution and provide clean water to the affected communities. The **Nigerian government** has a history of failing to deliver on its promises, and it is unlikely that the situation will improve in the near future.
Source
Originally reported by businessday.ng