Prof. Opara highlights factors exacerbating water challenges in Nigeria

The Vice Chancellor of Dominican University-Ibadan, DUI, Prof. Jacinta Opara, has identified climate, industrialization and inadequate infrastructure, as factors exacerbating water challenges in Nigeria.

Prof. Opara, stated that access to safe and potable water remains a major issue in the country, despite the abundance of large rivers, lakes and extensive groundwater reserves.

Fresh Angle International, can report that she spoke Tuesday October 15, during a Workshop on Preserving Water, organized by Ecumenical Water Network Africa, held at Institute of Church and Society, Ibadan.

According to her, the access to safe and portable water in rural areas, is more precarious, saying: “Many communities relying on contaminated surface water, leading to waterborne diseases. The country's growing population currently estimated at over 200 million has further strained the available water resources, while climate change has led to unpredictable weather patterns, including droughts and floods, affecting water availability and quality.”

Prof. Opara, mentioned pollution and environmental degradation, poor infrastructure management, climate change, Deforestation and Land Use Changes as well as Poor Governance and Regulatory Frameworks, as Challenges Facing Water Sustainability in Nigeria.

Excerpt of her speech:

The absence of a coordinated policy on water distribution and conservation exacerbates the challenges of equitable water access. Strategies for Water Preservation and Protection To address these challenges and ensure the sustainability of water resources, Nigeria must adopt comprehensive strategies that emphasize preservation and protection.

Key approaches include:

1. Strengthening Water Policies and Regulations: It is imperative to establish and enforce stronger laws governing water use and pollution control. The National Water Resources Bill, aimed at ensuring equitable distribution and sustainable management of water, should be expedited for approval and implementation. Local governments must also be empowered to manage water resources effectively.

2. Improving Water Infrastructure: Investments in modern water supply systems, treatment plants, and irrigation networks are critical for improving access to clean water. The government should collaborate with international partners to secure funding for upgrading and expanding water infrastructure. This will not only improve water access but also reduce wastage from outdated systems.

3. Promoting Integrated Water Resources Management (IWRM): The IWRM approach emphasizes the coordinated management of water, land, and related resources to maximize economic and social welfare without compromising ecosystem sustainability. This involves fostering collaboration between federal, state, and local governments and encouraging public participation in decision-making processes related to water resource management.

4. Community Participation and Education: Local communities play a critical role in the preservation of water resources. Public awareness campaigns on water conservation, rainwater harvesting, and proper sanitation practices are essential. Schools, religious institutions, and civil society organizations should be engaged in promoting water stewardship at the grassroots level.

5. Combating Pollution and Environmental Degradation: Efforts must be intensified to reduce pollution from industrial, agricultural, and domestic sources. Strict enforcement of environmental protection laws, including heavy fines for companies that pollute water bodies, is necessary. Additionally, afforestation and reforestation initiatives should be prioritized to restore ecosystems and protect watersheds. Role of Technology in Water Sustainability Technological innovations can play a pivotal role in addressing Nigeria's water challenges.

Some key technologies that can be adopted include:

1. Smart Water Management Systems: The use of data analytics, sensors, and artificial intelligence (AI) can improve water distribution efficiency and detect leaks in real time, thus reducing water loss.

2. Water Recycling and Reuse: Advanced water treatment technologies can enable the recycling of wastewater for agricultural and industrial use. This will alleviate the pressure on freshwater resources and promote a circular water economy.

3. Desalination Technologies: Although expensive, desalination can provide a viable solution for coastal regions where freshwater scarcity is most severe. Nigeria can explore desalination as part of a broader strategy to diversify its water sources.

 4. Rainwater Harvesting Systems: Encouraging the adoption of rainwater harvesting systems, particularly in rural areas, will provide an alternative source of water for communities and reduce reliance on contaminated surface water.

Church and Faith-Based Organizations in Water Advocacy Faith-based organizations, such as the Ecumenical Water Network Africa, are uniquely positioned to advocate for water justice and sustainability.

The Church can use its moral authority and wide-reaching influence to promote responsible water use, environmental protection, and equitable water distribution.

Religious institutions should partner with civil society organizations, government agencies, and the private sector to support water conservation projects, particularly in underserved communities. Through campaigns such as “Water is Life” and other awareness programs, faith-based organizations can help reshape attitudes towards water usage and encourage communities to adopt sustainable practices.

Furthermore, the Church’s commitment to social justice aligns with the need to ensure that marginalized and vulnerable groups, especially in rural areas, have access to clean and safe water. Conclusion Water is a sacred resource, vital for life and essential for sustainable development.

Nigeria faces significant challenges in managing its water resources, but through a collective and coordinated effort, these challenges can be overcome. Strengthening governance, investing in infrastructure, adopting modern technologies, and promoting community participation are key to ensuring the sustainability, preservation, and protection of Nigeria’s water resources.

As we reflect on the critical importance of water, it is incumbent upon all stakeholders, including the government, private sector, civil society, and faith-based organizations, to work together to safeguard this precious resource for current and future generations.

The success of initiatives like Blue Communities Africa will depend on our collective commitment to addressing the water crisis in Nigeria.

Thank you and God bless!

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