Residents Alapere Street, Alapere Ketu, Lagos State, Nigeria, fetching water from a well. PHOTO/Collins O.Ojiehanor
By COLLINS ODIGIE OJIEHANOR
In Lagos, Nigeria’s bustling economic heart, a profound crisis is unfolding—a crisis marked by the indiscriminate disposal of waste and sewage that is rapidly undermining access to clean and safe drinking water.
This urban center, with its dynamic growth and sprawling population, faces an acute challenge that threatens both the health of its residents and the sustainability of its environment.
Rapid urbanization in Lagos has drastically reshaped the city’s landscape. Land reclamation projects, designed to accommodate the city’s booming population, have inadvertently disrupted natural drainage systems.
This disruption has compounded existing issues of flooding, pollution, and environmental degradation, exacerbating the contamination of water sources.
The city’s poor waste management practices—evident in overflowing dumpsites, sewage systems, and prevalent open defecation—have led to severe pollution of the soil and groundwater, which are vital sources of drinking water for many.
The consequences of this contamination are severe. The seepage of harmful chemicals and pathogens into water sources has triggered outbreaks of waterborne diseases such as cholera, dysentery, and typhoid fever.
Children and the elderly are particularly vulnerable, with these illnesses posing significant health risks and exacerbating the cycle of poverty. The economic burden of treating these diseases further impoverishes families, trapping them in a vicious cycle of ill health and financial strain.
The environmental impact is equally dire. Polluted water bodies disrupt local ecosystems, harming plant and animal life and diminishing agricultural productivity. For many rural communities dependent on farming, the contamination of water sources jeopardizes food security and livelihoods.
The seepage of untreated sewage into groundwater has become a pressing issue, with inadequate sewage systems in rural areas leading to widespread water contamination.
A Dire Water Crisis
Residents Alapere Street, Alapere Ketu, Lagos State, Nigeria, fetching water from a well. PHOTO/Collins O.Ojiehanor.
The gravity of Lagos’s water crisis is underscored by recent reports from Corporate Accountability and Public Participation Africa (CAPPA). At a World Water Day 2024 press conference, CAPPA revealed that over 8 million residents—approximately 60 percent of Lagos’s population—lack access to clean drinking water. Despite Lagos’s status as a leading megacity, this crisis remains severe, affecting both affluent and impoverished areas.
CAPPAs Executive Director, Akinbode Oluwafemi, emphasized the gravity of the situation noting; “While water scarcity is a widespread challenge across Africa, the situation in Lagos State is particularly alarming.”
In more affluent neighbourhoods like Lekki and Lagos Island, residents also struggle with water quality issues. The reliance on boreholes and private water suppliers often yields water contaminated by nearby sewage systems, exacerbating health risks.
During the rainy season, runoff from waste dumps further contaminates streams and rivers, crucial sources of water for many communities. This situation is mirrored in affluent areas, where residents resort to purchasing bottled water, adding financial strain and highlighting the pervasive nature of the city’s water crisis.
Despite the states reputation as a leading megacity, over 8 million of its resident’s equivalent to roughly 60 percent of its population struggle with limited access to potable water.
In Igbogbo, Mrs. Aina Sampson describes the daily struggles of fetching water from a distant well before boiling it for her family.
“Every day, I wake up at dawn to fetch water from a distant well. I have to boil the water before we can use it, but still, my children often fall sick with diarrhea and stomach pains. It is heartbreaking to see them suffer,” she shares.
Borehole water, while commonly used, often contains contaminants due to the proximity of sewage systems and the lack of proper water treatment facilities. The water quality in these areas is compromised by several factors, including the intrusion of saline water from the Atlantic Ocean, pollution from domestic and industrial waste, and inadequate sewage management.
During the rainy season, floodwaters can carry contaminants from poorly managed sewage systems into residential areas and water sources, further compounding the issue.
“We moved to Lekki expecting better living conditions, but the water issue has been a constant challenge. We spend a lot on bottled water because the borehole water is not safe for drinking. It’s frustrating and costly,” says Mr. Johnson Raymond, a resident of Lekki.
His experience reflects the unexpected difficulties faced by residents in seemingly well-developed areas.
“As a business owner, clean water is essential for my baking business. I’ve had to invest in a water purification system, which has significantly increased my expenses. It’s not something I anticipated when I set up shop here,” explains, Mrs. Amaka Amadi, who runs a baking business on Lagos Island.
Her words highlight the economic burden on small businesses due to water quality issues.
Environmental and Health Threat of Water Contamination
Residents of Oladele street, Ketu, Lagos State, Nigeria, dump waste indiscriminately on the street and that is wash off by floods to water sources. PHOTO/ Collins O. Ojiehanor.
“We live close to the dumpsite, and the water from our borehole now has a strange smell and taste. My children have been sick frequently, suffering from stomach pains and diarrhea. It’s terrifying to think that the water we depend on is poisoned,” says Mrs. Uche Adewale, a resident of Oregun.
Her condition highlights the immediate health impacts of leachate contamination on households. The indiscriminate disposal of waste has led to severe contamination of water bodies, posing hazardous conditions for residents and the ecosystem.
This environmental degradation threatens public health, exacerbates water contamination, and undermines efforts to achieve Sustainable Development Goal 6 (SDG 6), which aims to ensure the availability and sustainable management of water and sanitation for all.
The health implications of water contamination are profound. Cholera and other waterborne diseases spread rapidly in environments with limited access to clean water and sanitation.
The Lagos State Government has responded to these outbreaks with measures such as contact tracing and water testing, but challenges persist. Dr. Tunde Ajayi from the Lagos State Environmental Protection Agency (LASEPA) notes that high microbial counts and contamination in water samples remain a concern, with only a fraction of samples meeting safety standards.
According to the agency, during a visit to Kosofe LGA on June 19, the LASEPA team collected seven water samples, including sachet water, household boreholes, a cart pusher’s keg, and treated borehole water.
Out of these, four samples were found to be unsatisfactory due to high microbial counts and coliforms. Only the two sachet water samples and the agency’s borehole water tested satisfactory.
Public health expert Mrs. Joy Okpire emphasizes the urgency of addressing water contamination, citing the direct link between open defecation, industrial discharge, and the deterioration of water quality.
“Open defecation remains a significant issue in many Nigerian communities, particularly in rural areas,” Mrs. Okpire stated. “This practice leads to the direct contamination of rivers, streams, and other water sources with fecal matter, introducing pathogens and nutrients that degrade water quality.”
Canal polluted with waste in Ogudu, Lagos State, Nigeria. PHOTO/ Collins O. Ojiehanor.
Contaminated water not only causes immediate health issues but also poses long-term risks such as exposure to heavy metals and pathogens, impacting overall well-being and food security.
“The use of chemical fertilizers and pesticides in agriculture, along with improper waste management from livestock farming, leads to runoff that contaminates water sources with nitrates, phosphates, and pathogens,” Mrs. Okpire noted.
Mrs. Okpire added that the runoff is exacerbated by heavy rainfall, common in Nigeria and inadequate waste management infrastructure results in the illegal dumping of household and industrial waste into rivers and streams.
This practice introduces a variety of pollutants, including plastics, heavy metals, and organic waste, into water sources.
“The Niger Delta region, in particular, suffers from frequent oil spills and hydrocarbon pollution due to oil extraction activities,” she highlighted.
Mrs. Okpire explained that the consumption of contaminated water leads to the spread of waterborne diseases such as cholera, typhoid fever, and dysentery.
“These diseases cause severe diarrhea, dehydration, and can be fatal if not promptly treated, particularly affecting children and vulnerable populations” she noted.
Disease Burden of Waste and Sewage Crisis on Water Contamination
The most immediate consequence of the waste and sewage crisis is the proliferation of waterborne diseases. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), contaminated water is a leading cause of diarrheal diseases, which account for approximately 1.6 million deaths annually, with children less than five years being the most affected.
The daily struggle for access to safe drinking water and hygienic living conditions, with contaminated water sources, which have been identified as a major contributor to the cholera outbreak, also frequent typhoid fever, and dysentery, reflect a broader issue that impacts countless households across the city.
These diseases thrive in environments where clean water is scarce and sanitation practices are poor, creating a vicious cycle of illness and poverty.
In an earlier response to the cholera outbreak which has escalated significantly, with the death toll reaching 29 and the number of suspected cases climbing to 579 in 21 Local Government Areas (LGAs) as of June, the Lagos State Government launched comprehensive measures including contact tracing, water sample testing, and public health campaigns to control and contain the outbreak.
The Lagos State health authorities have confirmed the presence of Vibrio cholera, the bacterium responsible for cholera, in the samples collected.
Mrs. Sola Adebayo, a resident of Ajegunle, highlighted the reality facing many families in her community.
“Many children here suffer from frequent illnesses due to contaminated water,” Mrs. Adebayo explains with deep concern. “It is difficult to educate parents about hygiene when they lack access to clean water and proper sanitation,”
Informal water distributor fetching water from a borehole in an open drainage in Agboyi Ketu, Lagos State, Nigeria. PHOTO/ Collins O. Ojiehanor.
Mrs. Adebayo laments. In Ajegunle, like in many other underserved communities, access to clean and safe drinking water is a daily struggle. The water that families rely on for drinking and daily chores often carries harmful pathogens and pollutants, leading to persistent health issues such as stomach pains, diarrhea, and other waterborne diseases.
Many Health Facilities Lack Basic Amenities
Many health facilities lack basic amenities, including clean water, electricity, and essential medical supplies. The overburdened healthcare system struggles to provide adequate care, leading to higher morbidity and mortality rates.
This situation is exacerbated by the economic constraints faced by many families, who cannot afford the costs associated with medical treatment. The environmental impact of poor waste and sewage management extends beyond human health.
Polluted water bodies and soils disrupt local ecosystems, reducing biodiversity and harming wildlife. In rural communities, where agriculture is a primary source of livelihood, contaminated water can decimate crops and livestock, leading to food insecurity.
The use of polluted water for irrigation introduces harmful pathogens and chemicals into the food supply, posing additional health risks to consumers. Contamination of Water Sources and Implications on Sustainable Development Goal 6 The leakage of waste from landfills into Lagos water bodies represents a significant environmental and public health crisis.
The contamination of water sources not only jeopardizes the health and well-being of residents but also undermines efforts to achieve sustainable development. Sustainable Development Goal 6 (Clean Water and Sanitation) is a crucial global goal aimed at ensuring availability and sustainable management of water and sanitation for all by 2030.
It encompasses various aspects of Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH), emphasizing the interconnectedness of these elements in achieving overall public health and environmental sustainability.
Achieving SDG 6 requires substantial improvements in WASH infrastructure and practices. However, the waste and sewage crisis in Lagos presents significant obstacles to progress.
Access to clean water is a fundamental aspect of SDG 6, yet many communities in Lagos rely on contaminated sources. This situation undermines efforts to provide safe and affordable drinking water for all, a key target of the goal.
Sanitation is another critical component of SDG 6. The lack of proper sewage systems and waste disposal mechanisms in Lagos means that many residents practice open defecation or use inadequate sanitation facilities. These practices contribute to the contamination of water sources and the spread of diseases.
In an interview with Water and Sanitation expert, Mr. Peter Emmanuel Cookey, Acting Director of the Centre for Water and Sanitation Studies (CeWASS) at Rivers State University, Port Harcourt, during the Lagos International Water Conference (LIWAC) 2024, Mr. Cookey shared insightful perspectives on the health and sanitation challenges.
“Overall, the main concern is the open disposal of excreta. We must address open defecation. Even if one defecates into water-closets, like those in hotels, where does it end up? It goes untreated” Mr. Cookey explained.
Mr. Cookey emphasized the potential benefits of fecal sludge management. “From fecal sludge, various materials can be recovered, such as bio-char for cooking fuel and biofuel for energy. Water can also be treated and reused for agriculture. These solutions are practical and achievable with commitment and innovative thinking.”
Socioeconomic Impacts and Inequality of Water Pollution
Access to clean water is not just a matter of convenience but a fundamental right that directly impacts the health and well-being of residents, particularly vulnerable children.
The waste and sewage crisis in Lagos exacerbates existing social and economic inequalities. Rural communities, which are often marginalized and under-resourced, bear the brunt of the crisis.
These communities have limited access to clean water, sanitation facilities, and healthcare services, making them particularly vulnerable to the adverse effects of environmental pollution.
The resulting health burdens not only strain household finances due to medical expenses but also hinder children’s educational attendance and performance, perpetuating cycles of poverty.
Women and children are disproportionately affected by the lack of clean water and sanitation. Women, who are typically responsible for water collection and household hygiene, spend significant amounts of time and effort securing clean water, often at the expense of other economic opportunities.
Inequities in access to clean water deepen when considering economic impacts. Families often spend a significant portion of their income purchasing bottled water or seeking medical treatment for waterborne illnesses.
This financial strain further limits their ability to invest in education, housing improvements, or entrepreneurial endeavors, perpetuating economic stagnation. Furthermore, the lack of reliable water and sanitation infrastructure hinders community development and economic growth.
Businesses may face higher operating costs or struggle to maintain hygienic standards, affecting productivity and profitability. In turn, this undermines local employment opportunities and limits the potential for economic advancement within these communities.
Socially, inadequate access to clean water and sanitation contributes to social stigmatization and exclusion. Families may face discrimination or marginalization due to perceptions of uncleanliness, body odor or other disease risks associated with their living conditions.
Canal polluted with waste in Ogudu, Lagos State, Nigeria. PHOTO/ Collins O. Ojiehanor.
“I spend hours each day collecting water, which takes time away from my small business. I can’t afford to hire help, and my child often misses school to help with chores. It’s a never-ending cycle of hardship,” shares Mrs. Grace Atah, reflecting on the daily struggle to secure water for her family in Ikorodu.
Her testimony underscores how water scarcity not only affects household chores but also disrupts economic activities and educational opportunities, perpetuating a cycle of poverty.
Government and Policy Interventions According to Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, less than 40% of Lagos residents had access to water as of 2021. The governor made this statement at the Lagos International Water Conference (LIWAC 2021), themed Water Security and Investment Opportunities in Megacities: A Case of Lagos State. Represented by Deputy Governor Obafemi Hamzat, Governor Sanwo-Olu acknowledged the water challenges faced by residents.
He highlighted his administration’s efforts to address these issues, particularly with the establishment of the Adiyan II water infrastructure, which is expected to provide 70 million gallons of water per day to help bridge the gap between water demand and supply.
In his words he said: The Lagos State Water Supply Master Plan estimates daily water demand in the city at 540 million gallons per day (MGD) but production by the Lagos State Water Corporation (LSWC) stands at 210 MGD.
This shows a clear deficit of over 300MGD, which translates to less than 40% access to clean, and safe water, he said. As a government, we are not oblivious of this gap and its consequences on the health of our populace. In order to close this gap, I toured the Lagos Water Corporation Facilities at Adiyan, Iju and Akute at the inception of my administration.
“We have expended resources on these facilities and I am happy to tell you that the Adiyan II plant that will bring an additional 70 MGD to the already existing water capacity will soon become operational” he added.
Implementation of New Initiatives
However, the implementation of these initiatives has been fraught with challenges. Funding constraints, bureaucratic inefficiencies, and lack of public cooperation have hindered progress. There is also a need for stronger regulatory enforcement to ensure compliance with waste disposal regulations.
Many residents and businesses flout these regulations with impunity, contributing to the widespread problem of indiscriminate waste disposal. Moreover, there is a pressing need for public education campaigns to raise awareness about the health and environmental risks associated with improper waste and sewage disposal.
Such campaigns should aim to change public attitudes and behaviours towards waste management, encouraging individuals to adopt more responsible practices.
Earlier, the Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, at the fifth edition of the Lagos International Water Conference (LIWAC) 2024 which held at the Eko Hotel in Victoria Island, emphasized the State Governments commitment to providing easy access to safe water and hygiene as they are fundamental for human survival and the rights of the citizens.
Mr Sanwo-Olu asked stakeholders in the Water and Sanitation sector to identify the challenges and source for long-term funding to spur sustainable action required to complete the Adiyan Water treatment plant to ensure the availability of potable water for the residents of Lagos State.
“To ensure easy access to safe water, our government has, over the last four years shared knowledge and increased the budgetary allocation to the water and sanitation sector. It is essential that the discussions at this conference translate to action for a more functional Lagos,” he said.
Similarly, the Executive Secretary of the Lagos State Water Regulatory Commission (LSWRC), Mrs. Funke Adepoju, emphasized the critical need for investment in the sector, adding that this year’s conference with the theme Financing Water and Sanitation for a Greater Lagos highlights the importance of creating a sustainable and investor-friendly environment in the water sector.
She noted that this year’s theme was selected to identify various frameworks for long-term financing options to foster an enabling business environment for private sector investment in Lagos States water and sanitation sector, supported by the Lagos WASH Policy.
Socio-economic Consequences
The water crisis exacerbates social and economic inequalities. Rural communities, often lacking basic infrastructure, face severe consequences, including disrupted education and economic opportunities.
Women and children, responsible for water collection, bear a disproportionate burden, impacting their economic potential and educational attainment. In urban areas, businesses face higher operational costs due to water quality issues, affecting economic growth and development.
In response to the crisis, Lagos Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has highlighted ongoing efforts to address water scarcity, including the development of the Adiyan II water treatment plant.
However, progress has been hindered by funding constraints and bureaucratic inefficiencies. The need for stronger regulatory enforcement and public education on waste management remains critical.
At the Lagos International Water Conference 2024, stakeholders emphasized the need for comprehensive data collection and sustainable solutions.
In a one-on-one interview with Onsite Sanitation Manager of Nakuru Water and Sanitation Company, Kenya, Engineer Timothy Wanjohi, a panelist at the Lagos Water Conference, the sanitation advocate, emphasized the critical need for data collection to inform policy and prevent disease outbreaks, particularly in ongoing cholera outbreak.
Experts like Engineer Wanjohi advocate for improved sanitation infrastructure and public health initiatives to prevent disease outbreaks and promote community well-being.
“We need to quantify the number of people affected and assess the costs incurred in treating that cholera outbreak, or preventing its spread. This data is crucial for influencing policy decisions aimed at preventing future outbreaks.”
Wanjohi underscored the affordability and effectiveness of such measures. Wanjohi urged authorities to prioritize data collection and leverage it to implement sustainable sanitation solutions.
“Simple interventions, such as ensuring universal access to safe toilets and promoting hand-washing, can significantly reduce the risk of outbreaks without requiring substantial financial investments. Hand-washing and safe sanitation are cost-effective strategies that can be implemented widely,” he explained.
Wanjohi urged authorities to prioritize data collection and leverage it to implement sustainable sanitation solutions.
Addressing Lagos’s water crisis requires a multifaceted approach involving government action, community engagement, and sustained investment in infrastructure. Only through collective efforts can the city hope to overcome this critical challenge and ensure access to clean and safe water for all its residents.
