Prolonged Public Water Supply Failure Stirs Reactions In Osogbo
By Akintunde Madamidola
THERE has been a prolonged public water supply failure to many areas in Osogbo, Osun State, findings by OSUN DEFENDER have revealed.
The water supply failure has subjected some residents of the state capital to stress as they have to find alternative potable water at far distance.
It was gathered that the residents have been experiencing irregular water supply since June last year.
Areas affected are Estate, Alekuwodo, Tinumola, Offa-Prime, Isale Osun, Jaleyemi, Kobo and Ayetoro, among other areas in Osogbo.
Speaking with OSUN DEFENDER, a resident of Offa-prime, Toyin Adeoye, said it had been seven months that supply from the water corporation had come to the area, noting that residents of the area were currently facing water crisis because of the dry season.
Adeoye said: “It is almost seven months that public water was supply to this area. We only have a well as source of water which is almost dried up because it serves other people in this neighbourhood.
“It has been so stressful. We cannot drink the well water and price of sachet water has increased. We have to go to far distance to get portable water. That is what we have been enduring since seven month ago.”
A resident of Alekuwodo, Mrs Sarat Ajiboye who spoke with OSUN DEFENDER, said: “Our community is grappling with a pressing issue – a severe shortage of water that is significantly impacting our daily lives.
“The scarcity has reached a point where residents are facing challenges in doing basic activities, such as cooking and maintaining proper hygiene. It is not just an inconvenience; it’s becoming a serious concern that affects the overall well-being of everyone in our neighborhood.
“Many residents, myself included, are finding it increasingly difficult to navigate daily routines without a reliable and consistent water supply. This situation not only hampers our ability to live a comfortable life but also poses potential health risks.
“In light of these challenges, we earnestly appeal to the authorities to prioritise and address this issue urgently. Our community’s well-being is at stake, and a swift resolution is vital to ensuring that we can access water reliably, meeting our basic needs and maintaining a healthy living environment for all residents.”
The water supply failure, according to findings by OSUN DEFENDER, may be as a result of the pollution of Osun River by illegal miners and disconnection of water pipes due to construction of major roads in the state capital.
However, residents have charged the ministry in charge to do something as soon as possible to help them out of the situation.
It would be recalled that Governor Ademola Adeleke’s administration in April 2023 approved the rehabilitation of selected waterworks and pipeline networks across the state.
Adeleke approved the immediate upgrade of pipeline networks of both the Ede and Osogbo waterworks alongside the repairs and recharging of water filter media at Iwo and Eko-Ende waterworks.
He also approved funds for the purchase of water treatment chemicals while most of the broken old pipes are being replaced with modern durable pipes known as HDPE pipes to improve water supply to all the nooks and crannies of the state.
