(News analysis)
By Dada Ahmed.
(C) National Day
As the world marked World Water Day on March 22, 2025, with the theme “Glacial Preservation,” the focus remains on the critical need for sustainable water management and access to clean water. While glaciers hold vast amounts of the Earth’s freshwater, millions across Nigeria, including Kogi State, struggle to access potable water for daily survival.
Water is not just a necessity for hydration but also a pillar of health, sanitation, and economic growth. Its availability determines the quality of life in a community, influencing public health, education, industry, and agriculture.
The implication of lack of potable water is better said than experienced as experts warn that without urgent intervention to solve such a critical problem, it could undermine development efforts, leaving many residents vulnerable to waterborne diseases, poor hygiene, and economic instability.
Kogi State, known for its strategic location at the confluence of the Rivers Niger and Benue, should ideally have abundant water resources. The availability of this previous resource notwithstanding, the supply of clean water for public consumption remains a tall dream for many residents.
One of the most devastating moments in Kogi’s water crisis occurred in 2022, when severe flooding submerged the Greater Lokoja Waterworks, the primary facility for distributing clean water in the state. This event, triggered by heavy rainfall and the release of excess water from upstream dams, led to massive displacement of residents, destruction of property, and a critical disruption in water supply.
The submerging of the Greater Lokoja Waterworks seriously affects the state government’s ability to supply adequate potable water, forcing residents to rely on alternatives such as wells, streams, and boreholes, leaving the residents with consequences.
In response to the water challenge, the Kogi State Government launched emergency measures to mitigate the impact.
These include, taking stock of the damage at the Greater Lokoja water works,rehabilitation of old water treatment plants in Lokoja to restore clean water distribution in some parts of Lokoja.
The state government has also made conscious effort in increasing daily water supply to two million liters through temporary facilities while repairs on the Greater Lokoja Waterworks being worked on among other measures.
While the state government’s intervention has brought some relief, experts argue that short-term fixes will not solve the problem permanently and advocate sustainable solutions.
These include flood-resilient infrastructure to enable the upgrading its water facilities to withstand extreme weather conditions. Reinforcing water treatment plants and reservoirs against flooding is essential.
There is also the need for diversification of water sources,thus giving credence to the need for the government to take a critical look on the issue of over-reliance on surface water.
Environmental experts add voices by calling for investments in boreholes, rainwater harvesting, and groundwater purification to ensure alternative supplies during water crises.
Concerned members of the public in Lokoja are also on the opinion that public-private partnerships (PPPs) will encourage private sector involvement in water management to enhance efficiency and accountability.
What more, community engagement whereby residents are educated on water conservation, proper sanitation practices, and the dangers of contaminated water has been described as an effective solution to potable water challenge in the state.
If the government and stakeholders increase proactive steps and meetings,like the similar exercise organized recently by the state Ministry of Water Resources, the dream of the people to access clean, safe, and affordable water in Kogi State will become a reality.
No doubt, an improved water supply will bring far-reaching benefits such as improved public health translating into reducing the prevalence of waterborne diseases.
Adequate availability of potable water in kogi will also have a positive impact on businesses and industries will flourish, thereby attracting investors and creating job opportunities.
Tourism will thrive, as places like the Confluence of Rivers Niger and Benue will become more accessible and appealing to visitors,if tourists are availed with potable to take care of their needs while catching glimpse of the beautiful nature of the Confluence.
As the world commemorates World Water Day, it is a stark reminder that clean water is not a luxury but a fundamental human right. For Kogi State, achieving this goal require visionary leadership, sustainable policies, and active community involvement as being actively galvanized and demonstrated by the Governor, Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo and his lieutenants in piloting the leadership of the state.
In essence ,it is apt to say that the time for action is Certainly,a water-secure Kogi is possible, but only with collective commitment and strategic planning. The people of the state deserve nothing less.
World Water Day: Imperative of Constant Clean Water Supply in kogi
By Dada Ahmed.
The World Water Day was celebrated in Nigeria on March 22,2025 with the theme:”Glacial Preservation.
Water is fundamental to human existence, playing a crucial role in sustaining life, promoting health, and ensuring overall well-being. It is essential for hydration, proper digestion, temperature regulation, and the elimination of waste from the body. Health experts assert that access to clean water reduces the spread of diseases such as cholera and dysentery, improving public health and increasing life expectancy.
Beyond its physiological importance, water fosters social stability, as communities with adequate water supply experience fewer conflicts over resources and enjoy better sanitation, leading to improved quality of life.
Environment experts also maintain that socially, water influences human interactions and development. They argue that this priceless commodity shapes settlement patterns, as people tend to live near water sources for easy access to drinking water, agriculture, and sanitation. Clean water supply and sanitation services, consequently contribute to gender equality, as women and children—who often bear the responsibility of fetching water—can invest their time in education and economic activities when water is readily available. Moreover, recreational activities such as swimming, fishing, and tourism, which depend on water bodies, enhance social cohesion and promote cultural heritage in many societies.
Economically, water is a driving force behind agriculture, industry, and energy production. Irrigation enables food production, ensuring food security and economic stability. In industries, water is used in manufacturing, cooling systems, and as a raw material in beverages, textiles, and pharmaceuticals. Hydroelectric power, a clean energy source, depends on water to generate electricity, contributing to economic growth and reducing reliance on fossil fuels. Furthermore, access to reliable water sources attracts investment, boosts employment, and fosters industrialization, making water a key factor in national and global economic development.
Ggghhgh
Give us the situation of clean water in kogi state, especially Lokoja,the state. Give us the scenario that led to the submerge of the Greater Lokoja water works in 2022 and the effects of the residents of Lokoja.look into what the kogi State government has been doing to solve the problem and give us the lasting to the problem.
In 2022, Kogi State, particularly its capital Lokoja, experienced severe flooding that critically affected the region’s potable water supply. The Greater Lokoja Waterworks, a key facility for distributing clean water to residents, was submerged, leading to extensive damage to its infrastructure. This disaster disrupted the public water supply network, resulting in significant water scarcity for the inhabitants of Lokoja.
The flooding’s impact was profound, as it not only submerged communities but also compromised essential services. Residents faced challenges in accessing clean water, which heightened the risk of waterborne diseases and underscored the vulnerability of the state’s infrastructure to climate-induced disasters.
In response, the Kogi State Government initiated measures to address the water scarcity. Efforts included rehabilitating existing water facilities and increasing daily water supply to two million liters to mitigate the crisis. Additionally, the government has been working to repair and upgrade the Greater Lokoja Waterworks to restore its full functionality. To achieve lasting solutions, it is imperative to implement comprehensive flood management strategies, enhance infrastructure resilience, and develop sustainable water resource management plans to safeguard against future occurrences.
The restoration of a clean water supply to Lokoja residents will bring significant improvements to public health, hygiene, and overall well-being. With access to potable water, the risk of waterborne diseases such as cholera, typhoid, and dysentery will reduce drastically. Households will no longer rely on unsafe sources like wells and rivers, leading to better sanitation and hygiene practices. Additionally, improved water availability will ease the burden on women and children who often spend hours fetching water, allowing them to focus on education, work, and other productive activities.
For Kogi State’s social, agricultural, and economic sectors, a reliable water supply will be transformative. In agriculture, irrigation systems will become more efficient, enabling farmers to cultivate crops throughout the year and increase food production. This will enhance food security and generate income for rural communities. In urban areas, industries that rely on water, such as beverage production, textile manufacturing, and hospitality services, will thrive, creating jobs and boosting the state’s economy. Clean water will also support the tourism sector, as attractions like the confluence of the Rivers Niger and Benue and other natural sites will be more accessible and attractive to visitors.
The hope for sustainable potable water in Kogi State lies in long-term investments in water infrastructure, climate adaptation measures, and effective governance. The government must prioritize flood-resistant water systems, expand water treatment facilities, and ensure proper maintenance of existing infrastructure. Public-private partnerships and community engagement will also be key to ensuring that water projects are efficiently managed and maintained. With a clear commitment to these measures, the people of Kogi State can look forward to a future where access to clean and safe water is no longer a challenge but a fundamental right that supports their social and economic growth.
Ggghhhhh
Health Crisis – Cases of cholera, typhoid, and dysentery surged due to the consumption of polluted water. Hospitals saw an increase in waterborne disease cases, with children and elderly individuals most affected.
Sanitation Breakdown – Many households struggled with proper hygiene due to the lack of running water, exacerbating the risk of infections.
Economic Disruptions – Businesses that depend on clean water, including restaurants, hospitals, and small-scale industries, faced difficulties, leading to financial losses and job cuts.
Agricultural Setback – Farmers, especially those engaged in irrigation farming, suffered as water scarcity reduced crop yields, threatening food security in the state.
Dada Ahmed,a retired Assistant Editor in Chief,NAN, publishes The Reporters.
