Water is essential and plays a significant role in human life, health and economy of a nation. Quality water benefits the environment, public health, and the protection of its resources for future generations.
Water quality is a complex issue, impacted by pollution, weather, human activities, amongst other factors.
Also, drinking water is essential to human survival. In fact, studies have revealed that humans can live up to 21 days with no food, but up to two months just by drinking water. This backs the assertion that the production of quality water must be prioritised.
One of the sources of water production in Nigerian communities is drilling of boreholes, seen as a cost effective way for household consumption and commercial purposes.
However, are these boreholes hygienic for human consumption? What are the processes or regulatory measures employed by the society, stakeholders in ensuring that the kind of water produced by these boreholes and other sources are good enough for the human body.
At the day two of the International Water Conference, organised by Rite Place Health Initiative, held in Abuja on Thursday, health practitioners and professionals brought their expertise to the fore at various presentations and debates on ways of producing and consuming quality water.
It is not just enough to have water
Nkabono Nglass, a pharmacist, entrepreneur and teacher, said to ensure quality water management, advocacy, communication and sensitisation must be the primary focus.
He said this is what is needed to constantly engage those who stand to benefit from quality water production as the first stakeholders.
“In our communities, we have different sources of water but, how are we managing them before talking about the quality. There has to be that constant communication between those who know the impacts and others using it.
“The social mobilisation and sensitisation should be an opportunity for education. It is not just enough to have water but, important to understand the need for quality water. The message should spread beyond this conference and across the society.
“Once we do this, a huge chunk of the problem would have been solved”, Mr. Nglass said.
One entry, multiple usage
Air Vice Marshall Abdullahi Kassimu (Rtd) said a regulatory agency should be installed for proper monitoring of borehole drilling and added that it’s not advisable to have them in close proximity.
He also said the military does civil relations and is already in partnership with communities in carrying out water projects. However, he noted that this is not a core function of the military but, a move engineered to “win the hearts of local residents”.
“Looking at the communities and based on geotechnical studies of the area, it will be nice to have households partner together to use same borehole and get these houses link together for usage (one entry but, multiple usage).
“In a way of policy formulation, the government has to get details of an area and come to a decision based on the geotechnical data of that area and develop a systematic way of working”, he said.
When interviewed, Forster Uwaejiofor, Commissioner, Anambra State Ministry of Agriculture said water program for the state is on going and very elaborate. Compared to previous governments in the state, he said what is done by the present administration in regards to water related development, has not been touched for several years.
Irrigation makes it more easier
Kingsley Idoko, from Lorna Group said through irrigation, there could be an all round season farming.
He added that if the government can provide irrigation for farm settlements, it makes it easier for all year round farming.
“Food insecurity is not a joke, it’s a serious problem. In the north, people can’t go to farm because of banditry, boko haram, herdsmen and other menace. But, in my own place (Kogi State), we don’t really have problems with the herdsmen in our farming activities. We’ve been friends and partners with them for ages.
“Although, we are in discussions with the Kogi State government, through the Ministry of Agriculture but, if they can create irrigation for us, it makes it more easier”, Mr. Idoko said.