Gurfata community in the Ibwa ward of Gwagwalada Area Council, Federal Capital Territory (FCT-Abuja) relies on dirty ponds for safe drinking water. MonITNG a public accountability organization that disclosed the condition says it is resulting in a public health crisis and death in the community.
Mr. Ibrahim, a resident of Gwagwalada Area Council who spoke to MAWA-FOUNDATION explained that Gurfata community is not an exception, pointing out how many communities in FCT-Abuja are suffering a lack of water. Ibrahim said this condition is resulting in cholera and other waterborne diseases in many of the communities that do not have access to safe drinking water.
A senior official from the Gwagwalada Area Council who does not want her name mentioned told MAWA-FOUNDATION via a telephone conversation that it is unclear how the Area Council Authorities and the Federal Capital Territory Authority FCTA expend approved budget annually without considering the provision of rural infrastructures as a major priority.
Mr. Ephraim, who prefers only his first name mentioned, told MAWA-FOUNDATION that the infrastructural deficit in rural communities in FCT is huge and needs government attention to be addressed. According to Ephraim, the dirty ponds Gurfata community inhabitants rely on for safe drinking water is one of the challenges rural communities face in FCT. He, however, pointed out that many of the rural communities in FCT do not have basic infrastructures such as hospitals, schools, roads, and water. This is even as he appealed to the FCTA to prioritize rural infrastructure.
A Medical Doctor from General Hospital Kubwa under the Bwari Area Council of FCT who spoke to MAWA FOUNDATION via telephone conversation and does not want his name mentioned said lack of access to safe drinking water has contributed largely to cholera in Nigeria. According to him, access to safe drinking water plays a significant role in guaranteeing good health, he however, called on government at all levels to provide safe drinking water to rural and urban dwellers.