Lagos struggles with contaminated water sources amidst waste disposal issues

In the heart of Nigeria’s bustling economic hub, Lagos, an escalating crisis threatens the health and quality of life of its inhabitants.

The city’s rapid urbanization has engendered a paradox: while development surges ahead, the very environment sustaining its populace falters.

Lagos, a sprawling megacity teeming with ambition and potential, grapples with a relentless issue that undermines its progress—water scarcity. For its rural communities and urban poor, this is more than a mere inconvenience; it is a dire emergency.

The dearth of clean, safe drinking water exacerbates existing vulnerabilities, turning a basic necessity into a luxury for many.

The city’s relentless expansion has come at a significant environmental cost. Land reclamation projects, meant to accommodate growing needs, have inadvertently disrupted Lagos’s natural drainage systems.

These disruptions, coupled with rampant pollution from industrial discharge, unchecked sewage, and the ubiquitous menace of plastic waste, have compounded the city’s struggle.

Open dumpsites and overflowing sewage systems mar the landscape, while improper waste disposal practices render many water sources undrinkable.

For countless Lagos residents, the reality is grim. The seepage of harmful chemicals and pathogens from inadequately managed waste infiltrates groundwater—the primary water source for many households.

This contamination manifests in a plethora of waterborne diseases, including cholera, dysentery, and typhoid fever, which strike particularly hard at children and the elderly. The economic burden of treating these illnesses further impoverishes affected families, entrenching them in a cycle of poverty and ill-health.

Mrs. Aina Sampson’s daily life in Igbogbo paints a poignant picture of this struggle. “Every morning, I rise before dawn to fetch water from a well far from my home,” she recounts. “I boil it before we use it, but despite my efforts, my children often fall sick with diarrhea. It’s heart-wrenching to see them suffer.”

Even in affluent neighborhoods like Lekki and Lagos Island, the quest for clean water is fraught with challenges. The disparity between the city’s glittering façade and the harsh reality faced by its residents underscores the complexities of urban water management.

Wealthier areas, despite their prosperity, are not immune to the crisis. Many rely on boreholes or private water suppliers, often contending with water tainted by nearby sewage systems and inadequate treatment facilities.

Mr. Johnson Raymond, a resident of Lekki, voices his frustration: “We moved here expecting better conditions, but the water issue is a constant challenge. We spend significantly on bottled water because the borehole water is not safe to drink.”

The crisis extends beyond mere inconvenience; it carries severe implications for public health and environmental sustainability. Open defecation and inadequate sewage systems contribute to widespread contamination of water sources.

Polluted water bodies disrupt local ecosystems, harming wildlife and reducing agricultural productivity—a crucial source of livelihood for many in rural areas.

Canal polluted with waste in Ogudu, Lagos State, Nigeria. PHOTO/ Collins O. Ojiehanor.

Public Health Expert, Mrs. Joy Okpire highlights the urgent need for systemic change. “Open defecation and the discharge of untreated industrial wastewater are major contributors to water contamination. These practices introduce harmful pathogens and pollutants into water sources, jeopardizing both health and the environment,” she explains.

The recent cholera outbreak in Lagos, with a death toll of 29 and hundreds of suspected cases, has drawn attention to the gravity of the situation.

Efforts to curb the outbreak have been multifaceted, involving water sample testing, public health campaigns, and coordination across various government ministries. Yet, the challenge remains formidable.

Dr. Tunde Ajayi of the Lagos State Environmental Protection Agency (LASEPA) notes, “Our laboratory findings reveal widespread contamination. Only a fraction of the water sources we tested met safety standards.”

The economic strain on families is palpable. In Ajegunle, Mrs. Sola Adebayo laments, “Many children here suffer from frequent illnesses due to contaminated water. It’s hard to educate parents about hygiene when they don’t have access to clean water.”

For businesses like that of, Mrs. Amaka Amadi, on Lagos Island, the water crisis imposes unexpected costs. “I’ve had to invest in a water purification system, which has significantly increased my expenses,” she explains.

The socioeconomic ramifications are profound. The struggle for clean water deepens existing inequalities, with rural and economically disadvantaged communities bearing the brunt.

The time spent collecting water often detracts from economic opportunities and educational pursuits, perpetuating cycles of poverty.

The Lagos State Government, acknowledging the critical water deficit, has initiated projects like the Adiyan II water infrastructure to bridge the gap between demand and supply.

Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu emphasizes the urgency of these efforts: “Our water supply master plan indicates a significant deficit. We are working to address this gap, but progress has been impeded by various challenges.”

Policy interventions must address both immediate needs and long-term sustainability. Enhanced waste management infrastructure, public education on sanitation, and rigorous enforcement of regulations are crucial steps.

Moreover, investing in data collection and analysis, as advocated by experts like, Engineer Timothy Wanjohi, can guide effective policy decisions and mitigate future outbreaks.

The plight of Lagos serves as a stark reminder of the intertwined nature of urban development, environmental stewardship, and public health.

As the city continues to grow, balancing these elements will be vital in ensuring a healthier, more equitable future for all its residents.

Source:  Collins Odigie Ojiehanor

Lagos, Nigeria

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