1Teslim Momoh
As an environmental scientist based in Abuja, I have personally observed the impact of water shortages on the core aspects of everyday living. However, during my time here, I have never encountered a situation as severe as the current challenge being experienced by residents of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
For several weeks, water taps have been dry in various areas including Gwarinpa, Apo, Lugbe, Durumi, Gudu, and even Maitama. Households are moving buckets in search of water. Enterprises that rely on a consistent supply are struggling to stay afloat. Abuja has never faced such a severe situation.
The truth is straightforward: water is essential for life. A major city without water is akin to a body without blood. However, during the current leadership of Nyesom Wike, water-related problems have been overlooked, while infrastructure projects and political conflicts have become the main focus.
The minister seems more focused on delivering superficial declarations of progress via infrastructure initiatives, while neglecting the urgent requirement for water. Roads cannot satisfy thirst. Bridges cannot prepare meals. Individuals require water to survive.
This ongoing crisis, as we are informed, stems from bureaucratic delays in authorizing funds to acquire treatment chemicals. This is an unacceptable justification. Effective leadership involves foreseeing requirements and acting quickly. When documents accumulate on a minister's desk while water supplies run low throughout the capital, it indicates a misalignment of priorities. As one local resident expressed, "I have resided here for five years, and I have never witnessed such an extended shortage."
Wike needs to come down from his elevated position and pay attention. He is a nominee, not a ruler. He hasn't been elected, and his responsibility is to assist the people, not behave like a king who keeps all decisions to himself. Stubbornness and outdated thinking have no role in contemporary leadership. Abuja deserves more. The minister should realize that he will be evaluated not by the quantity of bridges he constructs but by the quality of life residents experience under his leadership. Currently, the people are enduring hardship.
The minister ought to welcome specialists and new thoughts rather than opposing those who offer recommendations. Assigning tasks is not a sign of frailty; it is a demonstration of intelligence. Qualified technical experts are present within the FCTA. Allow them to perform their roles. Enable choices to be made more swiftly. Most importantly, allow progress to continue.
The answers are straightforward: provide prompt financing for treatment chemicals, support the development of advanced water systems, and treat water security with the same importance as road construction. Abuja is not just any city; it is Nigeria's capital, and its taps should always be functional.
Water is not a luxury. It is the fundamental right of every citizen. Mr. Minister, history's verdict will not be based on how many flyovers you opened, but on whether the people of Abuja had access to water for drinking, cooking, and living.
Momoh, an expert in environmental science, shares insights from Kaura, Abuja.
Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc.Syndigate.info).
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