Again, Lafiagi Residents Decry Water Crisis, Struggle Daily To Access Clean Water

By Taofik Adekunle Jimoh (JAAT)

Lafiagi, a major town in Edu Local Government Area of Kwara State, is currently facing a severe water crisis, leaving residents frustrated and desperate for a sustainable solution.

Despite official claims that the town’s water rehabilitation project has been successfully completed, many residents insist that they still struggle daily to access clean and safe water.

Over the past few weeks, tensions have risen as locals openly dispute government assurances that the issue has been resolved. The Commissioner for Water Resources, Hon. Usman Lade, consequently sued a local media outlet, Nupekotvlafiagi, for N10 million over allegations of negligence, further fueling the debate on the town’s water crisis.

Some residents who spoke to this reporter painted a grim picture of the situation. Many lamented how they have to travel long distances to fetch water, sometimes relying on untreated sources.

Aminatu Usman, a resident of Lafiagi, made an emotional appeal: “The government should please come to our rescue because we are suffering from this issue of water in the whole of Lafiagi.”

Fati Nnagi, from the Emi Alhaji Bindi 2 area of Lafiagi, echoed the same frustration: “We are suffering from water scarcity, especially during the dry season. So many people come from far distances just to fetch water from a well in my house. Water scarcity in Lafiagi has been our plea to the government for a long time. And it’s not just water; we also don’t have electricity. For over a year now, we have had no power supply.”

Another resident, Aminatu Muhammad from Efu Maiyaki, described the desperate measures families take to access water: “We came here to find water due to the scarcity in my area and the entire Lafiagi. My area is far from here, but we have no choice. Look at the water inside this bowl—this is what we have been drinking, bathing with, and using for cooking. We allow it to settle for a few hours before using it. This is our reality.”

Zainab Mohammed, from Maiyaki’s district, also refuted the claim that the water project had been completed: “It’s a lie. We are still suffering from water scarcity. I had to come all the way from Maiyaki’s district to fetch water here. This struggle happens every year, especially during the dry season.”

Despite the persistent complaints, Hon. Usman Lade has maintained that the Lafiagi waterworks rehabilitation project is 100% complete and fully operational. However, testimonies from residents suggest otherwise.

The stark contrast between the government’s official stance and the lived experiences of Lafiagi residents has fueled public skepticism.

The lawsuit against Nupekotvlafiagi has also sparked debate on the role of the media in holding public officials accountable.

Supporters of the commissioner argue that false reports can damage reputations, while others insist that the media has a duty to highlight the struggles of the people.

Water scarcity in Lafiagi is not just an inconvenience; it is a crisis affecting health, hygiene, and overall well-being.

Families are forced to consume unsafe water, increasing the risk of waterborne diseases. Women and children bear the brunt of the crisis, spending hours

Taofik Adekunle Jimoh (JAAT) is the Editor of News Bulletin Nigeria