Residents of Bauchi have decried acute water scarcity in the city amidst other economic challenges affecting families and businesses.
Some residents told WikkiTimes that severe water scarcity is significantly impacting their daily activities and livelihoods negatively.
Malam Yakubu, a resident of Gwallaga in Bauchi metropolis narrated his situation “At home, there’s no water to use until we buy on a daily basis. How do you think someone who is struggling to buy food can also afford to buy water every day? This is something serious that the government needs to address urgently.”
Another resident, Mrs. Glory Ogun, who resides in Sabon Kaura area echoed similar sentiment. According to her, the distress occasioned by shortage of water resource to families especially mothers is enormous.
“Can you imagine spending days without water? It’s incredibly stressful. A life without water is uncomfortable,” she stated, emphasizing the challenges of caring for children under these conditions.
Local business owners are also feeling the pinch. Temi, a hairstylist, noted that before the current scarcity and general economic woes, she could buy water regularly with some ease but not anymore. “Water is a necessity for everyone. The lack of it is definitely affecting people. For those running businesses, buying water every day is a financial loss,” she explained.
Many residents are calling for increased government commitment to reducing the scarcity that affect public health. “I know they are trying, but more effort is needed to truly make a difference,” Temi added.
Successive Bauchi State governments have reported taking drastic measures to bring water into the city from the Gubi Dam which is located few kilometres away from the city.
