By correspondent in Minna.
Governor Mohammed Umar Bago.
Residents of Dutsen Kura-Gwari, located in Chanchaga Local Government Area (LGA) of Niger state, have raised alarms about a worsening water crisis, alleging criminal neglect by both the state and local governments.
They are calling on Governor Mohammed Umar Bago to intervene and address what they describe as a dire situation.
The community, which also includes the neighboring Kwarkwatta and surrounding areas, has been grappling with severe water shortages for months. The root of the crisis is traced to a deliberate disruption of the water supply system during the ongoing construction of roads along the western bypass of Minna, the state capital. The tampering with vital water pipes has left thousands of residents without access to clean drinking water.
Marcus Habila, a local resident, expressed frustration, accusing both state and local authorities of abandoning the people of Dutsen Kura-Gwari. He described how the economic challenges have made it impossible for many to afford water, with the price of 10 jerricans now set at a staggering N1,500. With the majority of hand-dug wells in the area having dried up, residents are left with no choice but to rely on unsafe water sources, risking their health and well-being.
According to Habila, the situation has become so unbearable that many families have been forced to leave Dutsen Kura-Gwari in search of reliable water and electricity supplies in other parts of Minna. The migration has sparked further tensions in the community, as locals struggle to meet basic needs.
Usman Bala, an artisan, revealed his regret at moving to the area from Tunga, where water and electricity are more readily available. Bala, who has been particularly affected by the ongoing Ramadan fast, urged the government to implement emergency water distribution strategies, especially for the poor. He warned that the water crisis could escalate into a larger public health disaster if immediate action is not taken.
“Except for those fortunate enough to live near the community leader’s house, where a borehole exists, the majority of us are left to suffer,” Bala said. “Most families can no longer afford N1,500 per truck of water. We’re begging Governor Bago to intervene and ensure that water is supplied at a subsidized rate to ease our suffering.”
The water crisis has not only impacted daily life but is also threatening local businesses, as entrepreneurs struggle to secure enough water for their operations. The residents’ cries for help suggest that what began as a municipal oversight may be escalating into a crisis of criminal neglect. Without immediate intervention, the situation could worsen, leading to further unrest and hardship for Dutsen Kura-Gwari’s already struggling population.
Edited by Dada Ahmed.
