Tap water is rare in Nigeria, no thanks to empty promises made by the Minister
for Water Resources about making potable water available
by whichever magic year.
Again, simply look away whenever
expensive vehicles bearing the logo of a so-called water corporation
drives by, because it is obvious that the authorities do everything with
taxpayers’ funds except fulfilling one of the reasons for which people
pay tax — provision of potable water.
Since the government has failed woefully
to provide drinkable water to the people midway into the second decade
of the 21st century, Nigerians are faced with two dismal options: sink
private boreholes — with the attendant environmental implications; or
rely on water supplies whose sources are dubious.
If any industry thrives in Nigeria
despite the gloomy outlook of the economy, it is water-bottling firms.
No wonder they are not thinking of relocating to neighbouring countries
despite the moribund performance of another government agency, the Power
Holding Corporation of Nigeria.
And with all sorts of water available in
all forms — bottled or packed in mini cellophane bags — water consumers
have never felt torn between choices.
Physicians agree that certain categories
of people are more vulnerable to getting sick from contaminants in
drinking water. These include people undergoing chemotherapy, those
living with HIV/AIDS or patients who have received organ
transplantation.
They also say pregnant women, the
elderly and children may also be at greater risk. They therefore urge
this group of people to seek physician’s advice about whether they
should take additional precautions, such as boiling their water or
drinking bottled water.
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