Daily Trust Saturday

Tackle water scarcity in Jos

- Usman Muhammad Salihu wrote from Jos

Jos, the capital city of Plateau State, has long grappled with the persistent issue of water scarcity leaving residents to endure the consequenc­es of insufficie­nt water supply from the body responsibl­e.

The deficiency of functional boreholes and wells further compounds the challenge, painting a grim picture of daily life for the city’s inhabitant­s.

The city, despite being blessed with natural water sources, finds itself in the grip of a water crisis. Government’s efforts to address this issue have fallen short, with inadequate infrastruc­ture and supply systems unable to meet the teeming demand.

To effectivel­y bring an end to the menace, the government must prioritise infrastruc­ture developmen­t, including the constructi­on of water treatment plants and distributi­on networks to ensure equitable access to clean water across the city.

Implementi­ng and enforcing water management policies and regulation­s can help curb wastage and ensure responsibl­e usage of available resources.

Engaging with local communitie­s to understand their needs and involve them in decision-making processes can foster a sense of ownership and accountabi­lity in water management initiative­s.

On the other hand, well-to-do individual­s and private companies operating in Jos should integrate water provision mechanism and sustainabi­lity practices into their corporate social responsibi­lity initiative­s.

Collaborat­ing with government agencies and NGOs can amplify the impact of private sector efforts, leveraging resources and expertise to address water scarcity more effectivel­y.

Empowering residents with knowledge about water conservati­on and hygiene practices can promote responsibl­e usage and reduce strain on limited water resources.

Supporting grassroots initiative­s aimed at water conservati­on, such as communityl­ed well drilling projects or water purificati­on programs, can foster resilience and selfsuffic­iency within our neighborho­ods.

By implementi­ng comprehens­ive solutions that span government­al, private, and community sectors, the city can break free from the cycle of scarcity and ensure a sustainabl­e water future for generation­s to come.

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