An outbreak of epidemics looms in Lokoja, the Kogi State capital, as water scarcity lingers for over a week. Residents, who spoke on Sunday, appealed to the state government to find a lasting solution to the problem.
Those who spoke with our correspondent at Gadumo, a suburb of the state capital, described the water scarcity in the area as life-threatening. The area was also hit by water scarcity about two weeks ago.
The General Manager, Kogi State Water Board, Engr. Mohammed Sagir, had in a statement then attributed the scarcity to a voltage drop in the power supply and promised that efforts were on to solve the problem.
Two days after Sagir’s promise, the water supply was restored, but this was short-lived. Sagir concerning the recent development proved abortive as of the time of filing this report.
However, a reliable source, who spoke with our correspondent on the condition of anonymity, cited finance as one of the major factors responsible for the scarcity. Others, who also spoke with our correspondent on the issue, called on the state government to take a second look at its recent freezing of government accounts.
“This is necessary because some strategic government agencies have a direct bearing on the lives of the public, so they need to access funds for a smooth operation,” one of the residents said.
They also called on the state government to create alternative funding arrangements for such agencies for the benefit of the people.
