…says access to clean water, a fundamental human right
As the world marks World Water Day on March 22, a water resources and development expert, Michael Ale, has lamented that clean and safe water remains a luxury only the rich can afford in Nigeria.
Ale, co-founder and President of the Safe Water Africa Community Initiative (SWACI), stressed that the government must invest heavily in the water sector to ensure access to safe and clean water for all.
“The theme of this year’s World Water Day, ‘Glacier Preservation,’ highlights the need for sustainable water management practices,” Ale said. “However, in Nigeria, the challenges facing the poor in accessing clean water are numerous.”
The SWACI President cited the high cost of drilling boreholes, which can range from ₦1,500,000 to ₦2,600,000, as a major obstacle. He also noted that frequent breakdowns of borehole infrastructure and government-owned water treatment plants have led to the spread of waterborne diseases.
To address these challenges, Ale advocated for innovative and sustainable approaches to water management, such as the Borehole Assets Management System (BAMS) and the Project Outcome Validation Aggregator (POVA).
He emphasized the crucial role of government agencies, NGOs, and private investors in resolving Nigeria’s water crisis.
“Access to clean water is a fundamental human right, and it is our collective responsibility to ensure that this right is upheld for every Nigerian,” Ale said.
