Remote Nigerian Village Struggles for Clean Water Access

Access to clean water, sanitation, and hygiene is a critical concern in remote communities like Ubo, also known as Simami, in the Rubochi Ward of the Federal Capital Territory in Nigeria, reports Ohanu Dabri Olohije for Nigeria Health Watch. With a population of just over a thousand, primarily comprising Gbagyi and Bassa tribes, the community faces significant challenges in obtaining clean water, relying on dug wells, and, during dry seasons, a stagnant stream for their needs.

The World Bank estimates that 70 million Nigerians lack access to safe drinking water, contributing to child mortality from waterborne diseases. Simami's residents, mainly farmers, endure long journeys and early morning expeditions to secure water, with women and children bearing the brunt of this struggle. Despite government initiatives and a state of emergency declared in the water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) sector since 2018, remote communities like Simami feel forgotten, with pleas for boreholes or reliable water sources remaining unaddressed.

The lack of access to clean water not only poses health risks but also exacerbates economic challenges, disproportionately affecting women and girls. Urgent action is needed to bridge the WASH infrastructure gap, considering the impact of climate change on water availability in these communities, especially as the dry season approaches.