Access to safe clean water for personal and domestic use is a basic human right; yet basic sanitation remains a major challenge for many in Nigeria.
According to the World Bank, an estimated 70 million Nigerians do not have access to safe drinking water and at least 70,000 deaths occur in children under the age of five each year from diseases like Cholera. The situation is tough in communities like Majidun- Ogolonto in Ikorodu, Lagos state.
Nigeria is prone to a variety of factors that lead to recurring cholera outbreaks.
Cholera is a disease caused by eating contaminated food and drinking water. Its symptoms are severe diarrhoea, dehydration, weakness, muscle cramps, fever, vomiting, low blood pressure and thirst.
Many communities currently face a shortage of health facilities and infrastructure for water supply and waste disposal.
Majidun-Ogolonto is located in the Ikorodu area of Lagos state. This community has suffered from an acute lack of clean water.
The main water source for its over 500,000 people is a stream and locally dug wells by a few households. Residents are also forced to rely on water vendors, making the community vulnerable to waterborne diseases like cholera.
SOT MELODY MANPI- Transporter
SOT FOLASADE AJALA – Food Seller
For residents of Majidun-Ogolonto, Cholera is a seasonal disease with cases occurring mostly during the rainy season between June and October.
SOT ANITA EPHRAIM – Student
SOT AJIBOLA ADEKOYA – Trader
It is often said that the government cannot do it alone hence the need for non-governmental players to lend a hand in the fight against cholera.
SOT FOLUSO IBEABUCHI- Chairperson, ROG CSR 2024, ACCESS BANK
BABAJIDE OJO Secretary to Baale of Ogolonto
Residents agree that interventions like this will impact the community positively as the standard of living will be improved.
SOT ADENIKE JEGEDE – Zonal Head Lagos 1, ACCESS BANK.
SOT OLORUNTADE FATOLA – BAALE OF MAJIDUN OGOLONTO, IKORODU
SOT ABIBAT OGUNBOWALE – TRADER
No doubt, vulnerable communities like Majidun in Ogolonto will become better places from efforts to Build Healthier Communities by providing clean and safe drinking water.