Residents of Ebonyi State, especially in Abakaliki, are facing a severe shortage of potable water, forcing many to rely on unsafe sources and raising concerns about possible outbreaks of water-borne diseases. The situation has become so dire that people now move around with containers in search of any available water, often from questionable sources.
The crisis is largely linked to damaged water infrastructure caused by ongoing construction work at the Azuinyioku bridge, as well as vandalism of critical equipment. These challenges have significantly disrupted supply, leaving residents dependent on costly alternatives such as private boreholes, vendors, and even untreated water from ponds and wells.
Although the state government has acknowledged the problem and initiated rehabilitation of key facilities like the Oferekpe and Ezillo water schemes, supply has remained inconsistent. Authorities have also urged residents to protect public infrastructure, warning against acts of vandalism that further worsen the situation.
Experts and residents alike note that the current crisis is not solely due to recent damage but also years of neglect of major water projects by successive administrations. Despite earlier investments and interventions—particularly those that once helped eradicate Guinea worm disease—maintenance and expansion efforts gradually declined.
The impact on daily life has been significant. Households now spend heavily on sachet water, with some families budgeting over ₦1,000 daily just for drinking water. Students and workers are also affected, often waking as early as 4:00 a.m. to search for water before beginning their day. In many cases, available borehole water is unsuitable for drinking due to salinity, while prolonged dry conditions have worsened shortages.
Residents are calling on the government to take urgent and sustained action by repairing damaged infrastructure and ensuring consistent water supply. Officials have assured the public that ongoing repairs and upgrades will soon yield results, with promises that water supply could be restored within weeks.
Until then, many residents continue to endure hardship, hoping for a lasting solution to a problem that has disrupted both health and livelihoods.
