By Ochuko Akuopha

It’s been over 40 years since the water supply scheme was constructed in Boji-Boji Owa, Ika North-East Local Government Area, Delta State, but residents are still waiting for a drop to drink.  

NDV learned that the scheme, built by the military administration in 1978, has been non-functional for years, leaving residents frustrated.  

Some residents told this reporter that the water scheme initially served the needs of the people for some time before it packed up.  

One of the residents, Pastor Gabriel Konyegwaehie said  the  scheme had not been functioning for years. He said  most of the residents had over the years resorted to the sinking of personal boreholes for water supply which he lamented was not safe for drinking.  

“We are forced to sink personal boreholes, but the water is not safe for drinking. Water from the water board is usually of very good quality and safe for drinking”, said Pastor Konyegwaehie.  

“We have seen pipes laid on the ground along the road hoping that water will flow, but nothing seems to work. If the government can carry out repairs on the water scheme, it will be of great help to the community.” His words echo the sentiments of many, who are tired of relying on untreated water. 

The consequences are dire. Water-borne illnesses are on the rise, and residents are crying out for help. “Treated water is a must,” insisted Mr. Isioma, another resident. “We need the government to step in and fix this problem once and for all.”  

He lamented that most people presently could access water either through their personal boreholes or their neighbours’ homes. 

“They should ensure that water flows from the water scheme so that the concern of illnesses resulting from unclean water can be resolved,” he pleaded.  

A field worker with the State Urban Water Corporation attributed the problem at the Boji-Boji Owa water scheme to a damaged major pipeline, saying that the issue was being looked into by the government.  

He listed other water schemes in the council area to include the Marymount water supply headwork;  Owa Alero water headwork and Owa Ekei water headwork all of which, he said, were functioning. He however, said the issue of power sometimes affects daily supply.      

“The first effort is to ensure that the facilities  are functioning well, but the key thing to make them work is power. The cost of diesel is beyond our reach, so we are now relying on the Benin Electricity Distribution Company, BDEC, but the supply is not regular.  

“Government has invested a lot of money in laying pipelines to ensure that water flows from the head scheme to reach the people, but our challenge in pipeline laying is that after some time, when water is coming from the scheme, people damage the pipes either willfully or during drainage and road construction. Some people will even pull out the pipes for personal use,” he said. 

Also, the state Commissioner for Water Resources Development, Dr. Isaac Wilkie, affirmed that efforts are underway to rehabilitate the scheme, including exploring solar energy options. He said: “We have many schemes in Boji-Boji, Owa Alero, Owa Ekei, Marymount, and others. We have been able to touch all of them.“ He added: “We are trying to surmount all of those challenges, especially going for solar energy. A lot of those schemes were rehabilitated and I assure you that in all of those places we have touched, they are functional.”

But residents are skeptical. “We have heard that before,” said Ms Chika. “We want water, not promises.”