By Denen Kor
During my three-year stay in Naka, the headquarters of Gwer West Local Government Area in Benue State, I experienced firsthand the harsh realities of living with perennial water scarcity.
But what I soon realized was that the water crisis wasn’t unique to Naka alone. The entire Gwer West Local Government Area was grappling with this issue, leaving communities across the region to struggle for access to clean water.
The struggle to access clean water is a daily challenge. Waking up early in the morning to join long queues at the few available water sources, only to return home exhausted and empty-handed is one daunting chore Naka residents have been undertaking for decades unending.
But what is even more alarming is the predictable pattern of water scarcity. By October, the wells would begin to dry up, leaving residents with no choice but to rely on the Naka Earth Dam for their water needs.
The Naka Earth Dam, while a vital source of water, poses its own set of challenges. The water is often murky, and the dam’s capacity is stretched to the limit during the dry season.
The scarcity of water affects every aspect of life, from personal hygiene to cooking and cleaning. Simple tasks become daunting challenges, and the lack of access to clean water takes a toll on the health and well-being of the people.
Despite the difficulties, I am inspired by the resilience of the communities across Gwer West. Women and children walk miles to fetch water from the dam, often under the scorching sun.
There’s an urgent need for sustainable solutions to address the water crisis. It is unacceptable that in this day and age, communities across Gwer West continue to suffer from perennial water scarcity.
Therefore, I am calling on the Benue State Government, the Local Government Council, and all relevant stakeholders to come to the aid of my people.
There’s an urgent need for improved water infrastructure, including boreholes and piped water systems,
rehabilitation of existing water sources, such as the Naka Earth Dam,
support for community-led initiatives to address water scarcity and
increased funding for water projects in Gwer West L.G.A.
We cannot afford to wait any longer. The people of Gwer West deserve access to clean water, and it is our collective responsibility to ensure that they receive it.
Let us work together to address this critical issue and ensure that the communities of Gwer West have access to the water they need to thrive.
