Federal Government Provides Boreholes for Ogun Communities After Investigative Report
Five agrarian communities in Ogun State, Nigeria, have finally found relief from years of hardship and waterborne diseases caused by a lack of access to clean water. This intervention came after an investigative report by PUNCH Healthwise highlighted the dire situation faced by these communities. The Federal Government, through the Border Communities Development Agency (BCDA), responded by drilling a borehole to provide clean water.
Years of Hardship and Suffering
The communities of Asaa, Agbelepon, Agbele, Oke-Odo Ibore, and Lafenwa in Yewa North Local Government Area had been enduring severe water shortages. Residents were forced to fetch water from contaminated streams and ditches or undertake long journeys across the border to the Benin Republic in search of clean water. This situation led to numerous deaths and health problems, including cholera outbreaks.
Investigative Report Sparks Action
The PUNCH Healthwise report, titled “Dying by the Dozens: Ogun Communities’ Perilous Quest for Clean Water Across Benin Republic’s Borders,” was published on April 14, 2024. The report graphically illustrated the arduous journeys residents undertook and the severe consequences of the lack of potable water. Despite attempts by the reporter to get a reaction from the Ogun State government, there was no response.
Federal Government Intervention
Two days after the report’s publication, the BCDA reached out to PUNCH Healthwise. Adedeji Adegboyega, an Assistant Chief Civil Engineer, expressed the agency’s desire to provide boreholes for the affected communities. A subsequent visit by a BCDA team, led by Director Atarhe Akpohwaye, confirmed the agency’s commitment to addressing the water crisis.
During a town hall meeting with community members, Akpohwaye assured residents of immediate action, emphasizing the agency’s mandate to provide basic amenities to border communities. She stated that the Executive Secretary of BCDA had directed the team to ensure the provision of clean water, making it clear that the visit was a direct response to the PUNCH Healthwise report.
Completion of the Borehole Project
Following the visit, a drilling machine was dispatched to Asaa, and Adegboyega, overseeing the project, provided regular updates. Despite facing various challenges, the borehole was successfully completed on May 30, 2024. Adegboyega informed PUNCH Healthwise that the project would be commissioned soon.
Residents confirmed the completion of the borehole and expressed their gratitude to PUNCH Healthwise for drawing attention to their plight. Temitope Zakiaus, a community member, conveyed their appreciation, saying, “The water is clean and working. We wouldn’t have this without the publication.”
Official Acknowledgment
George Dakorinama, Director General of BCDA, acknowledged the impact of the PUNCH Healthwise report during an interview with TVC on April 30. He explained that the agency had to intervene quickly due to the urgency of the situation. The lack of potable water was identified as the cause of cholera outbreaks, leading to numerous deaths in the communities. Dakorinama emphasized the importance of border communities and the need for swift action to address their development deficits.
The successful drilling of the borehole marks a significant improvement in the quality of life for the affected communities, providing them with a reliable source of clean water and reducing the risk of waterborne diseases.
