Water scarcity remains one of the biggest threats to public health, agriculture, and rural development across Africa, in Nigeria, many rural communities still struggle daily to access clean and safe drinking water.
That reality is becoming more severe in Ruwaza community, Kwali Area Council of the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, where residents say the lack of clean water has turned daily survival into a painful struggle.
Ruwaza, a rural settlement with an estimated population of about 4,500 people, currently depends on a nearly dried-up water hole that serves as the community’s only major source of water.
Women and children often trek long distances under harsh weather conditions just to fetch water for drinking, cooking, and household use.
Residents say the situation has continued to worsen as water levels drop and demand increases.
Women, Children Face Daily Struggles
Speaking on the condition facing the community, the women leader of Ruwaza, Mrs. Anatu, expressed deep concern over the hardship residents endure daily.
According to her, families spend hours waiting in queues before accessing small amounts of water.
“Our children have suffered because of the lack of water,” she said.
“Even the ground does not bring water well. We have to line up and queue for a long time before we can get water for use at home.”
Residents say the water situation affects nearly every aspect of life in the community.
Many women reportedly wake up before sunrise to search for water before beginning other daily activities.
Children are also forced to assist their parents in fetching water, a situation that sometimes affects school attendance and learning.
Unsafe Water Raising Health Concerns
Beyond the shortage itself, residents also fear the health risks linked to the unsafe water source.
One woman in the community narrated how her child became seriously ill after consuming the contaminated water.
According to residents, cases of water-related illnesses are becoming increasingly common due to poor sanitation and lack of access to clean drinking water.
Health experts warn that unsafe water exposes communities to diseases such as cholera, typhoid, diarrhea, and other infections, especially among children.
The situation reflects broader concerns across many rural communities in Nigeria where access to clean water remains limited despite years of development promises.
Community Also Lacks Basic Infrastructure
Apart from water scarcity, Ruwaza community also faces major infrastructure challenges.
Residents say the community has no healthcare facility, no stable electricity supply, and limited access to education.
Although the area has a primary school, children seeking junior or senior secondary education must travel about 17 kilometres to neighbouring communities.
Community members say the long distance discourages many parents from sending their children to school, especially girls.
The growing insecurity in parts of the country has also increased fears among families who worry about the safety of children travelling long distances daily.
Analysts say poor infrastructure continues to widen inequality between urban and rural communities across Nigeria.
Water Scarcity Remains Global Concern
According to the United Nations, more than two billion people worldwide lived in countries experiencing high water scarcity in 2024.
Environmental experts warn that climate change, population growth, poor water management, and weak infrastructure are worsening water shortages globally.
In many African communities, water scarcity has also affected agriculture, food production, sanitation, and economic activities.
Experts say rural communities often suffer the most because they lack investment in boreholes, water treatment systems, and public infrastructure.
Calls For Government Intervention
Residents of Ruwaza are now calling on government officials and relevant stakeholders to urgently address the community’s needs.
Community members appealed to the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, alongside local political representatives and other authorities, to intervene in the worsening humanitarian situation.
They are demanding access to clean water, healthcare facilities, electricity, and improved educational infrastructure.
Observers say improving access to clean water could significantly reduce disease outbreaks, improve school attendance, and strengthen economic activities within rural communities.
Water Access Linked To Human Security
Experts increasingly describe water scarcity as both a humanitarian and security issue.
They warn that communities lacking access to basic resources often face rising poverty, displacement, and vulnerability.
Many development analysts believe Nigeria must invest more heavily in rural water infrastructure to prevent future crises.
Residents of Ruwaza say they simply want access to one of life’s most basic necessities — clean and safe water.
Until then, many families will continue to face daily hardship in search of a resource essential for survival.
