Gusau, the bustling capital of Zamfara State, finds itself in the grips of a severe shortage of potable drinking water, exacerbating daily life for its residents.
In numerous neighborhoods, a distressing scene unfolds as children wander about with empty jerrycans and buckets, scouring for elusive water sources.
This desperate quest for water has inflicted severe disruptions on the education of many children, as the imperative to secure water supersedes their attendance at school.
Affected areas such as Sabon Gari, Tudun wada, GRA, and Gada Biyu bear witness to this unfolding crisis.
Traditionally, water was procurable from vendors selling water in jerrycans. However, the landscape has shifted drastically, with vendors now scarce. Interviews conducted by The Spectacles reveal that these vendors are compelled to venture as far as Jauri area in search of water, reflecting a widespread scarcity affecting multiple communities.
Consequently, the price of water has soared, with vendors now selling a single jerrycan for ₦80 to ₦100, exacerbating the financial strain on already vulnerable households. With the approaching month of Ramadan, urgent intervention from the government is imperative to alleviate this pressing issue, underscoring the gravity of water scarcity and its far-reaching consequences.
Responding to mounting concerns, Engr. Buhari Dosara, the Managing Director of Zamfara State Water Board, attributed the crisis to the breakdown of machinery installed during the era when Zamfara was under Sokoto State jurisdiction, and Gusau served as a Local Government Headquarters.
Dosara acknowledged the heightened demand for water in Gusau, now a bustling state capital, owing to a surge in population and increased demand for water-related services, which have strained existing facilities beyond capacity.
However, Dosara offered a glimmer of hope, revealing that the state government has taken decisive steps to address the crisis. He disclosed that necessary machinery has been procured, awaiting installation by expert technicians who are anticipated to arrive imminently.
Expressing confidence in the forthcoming improvements, Dosara urged residents to remain patient, assuring them that the government is actively working to resolve the water scarcity crisis plaguing Gusau.
As the community grapples with this urgent challenge, the collective resolve to overcome water scarcity underscores the need for swift and comprehensive action to ensure the well-being of all residents.
