Enugu’s topography posits a perennial water scarcity challenge. This has led to a drastic water price hike, affecting residents’ daily lives. This scarcity affects the return of farmers, causes women and girls to walk long distance, and affect children’s education.
About half of the state’s residents lack access to basic water services. This poor access increases poverty, poor health, and stunted growth for children. We call on stakeholders to accelerate change to solve the water and sanitation crisis.
This scarcity results in inadequate sanitation and poor hygiene practices. People hence result to open defecation and recycling dirty water. Using this contaminated water increases the risks of cholera, diarrhoea, dysentery, and typhoid.
As we commemorate #WorldWaterDay, under the theme, “Accelerating the change to solve the water and sanitation crisis,” we draw the attention of stakeholders and the government to the perennial water scarcity Enugu residents face.
Understanding this challenge, South Saharan Social Development Organization, in partnership with WaterAid Nigeria, Enugu State Universal Basic Education Board (ENSUBEB), Small Town Unit-Ministry of Water Resources, and Igboeze North LGA WASH Unit, commemorated World Water Day in Igbo-Eze North LGA through a community stakeholder engagement.
The event aimed to trigger schools and community members on the effects of Open Defecation and raise awareness on hygiene through the Hygiene Behavioral Change exercises. Dignitaries present include commissioners from different ministries, council chairs, traditional rulers, president generals, and community and women leaders. Going forward, this sensitization engagement will help eliminate open defecation and improve the personal hygiene of the community members.
