Contaminated Boreholes in Lagos: What You Need to Know About the Environmental Crisis – EnviroNews

Corporate Accountability and Public Participation Africa (CAPPA) is sounding the alarm over shocking comments from Mahmood Adegbite, Lagos State’s Permanent Secretary for Drainage Services. He admitted that many residents of the Lekki Peninsula might be drinking what he called “shit water” from contaminated boreholes.

CAPPA emphasized that this blunt acknowledgment points to a much deeper issue. The real problem is the government’s neglect of essential public water services. For years, residents have had no choice but to rely on unsafe water sources like boreholes because the government has failed to provide reliable and affordable public water.

As the organization pointed out, many people in Lagos see boreholes as a lifeline, not a luxury. They’ve been forced into this situation due to the collapse of public water infrastructure. It’s troubling to see officials admit health risks without taking responsibility for the crisis.

The issue of contaminated water is not new. It stems from years of poor waste management and untreated sewage. CAPPA notes that instead of addressing these problems, the government leans towards privatization, focusing on profit rather than people.

Akinbode Oluwafemi, CAPPA’s Executive Director, stressed that it’s unfair to shame residents for their survival strategies when the state has failed in its duty. He questioned what the government is doing to ensure access to clean, safe water.

In light of this crisis, CAPPA is calling for immediate public investment in water and sanitation. They urge the government to stop market-based water changes without public input and develop a community-focused approach. This means involving residents, activists, and experts to create a water policy that serves everyone.

Additionally, CAPPA advocates for a state-wide emergency plan to repair broken systems and provide support for underserved communities. While they acknowledge the need to regulate borehole drilling, they argue it can’t happen until accessible public water alternatives are available.

With alarming statistics showing a rise in waterborne diseases due to unsafe drinking water, the stakes are high. The World Health Organization reports that 2 billion people globally lack access to safely managed drinking water. It’s crucial that Lagos does not become another statistic.

In conclusion, the focus must shift from blaming residents to addressing the systemic failures that have led to this crisis. Everyone deserves access to clean and safe water, and it’s time for real change in Lagos.



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