A recent independent
investigation by Daily Trust uncovered germs in public water samples taken from
many states in the country. Samples were taken from Abuja, Lagos, Plateau,
Katsina, Kano and Enugu. The samples were analyzed according to the
guidelines of the American Public Health Association, 19th edition. The
investigation found that many of the samples didn’t meet the World Health
Organization’s [WHO] standards or the Nigerian Standard for Drinking Water
Quality, NSDWQ.
The samples were randomly
taken from the states and analyzed at different testing centers including the
National Water Resources Institute, Kaduna. Some of the samples even contained
faecal matter, indicating that we’re drinking our own faeces or someone else’s.
“The analysis signed by the institute’s head, Water Supply and
Sanitation, Ahmed Salisu Hassan and analysed by Agboola Irene Omolara revealed
that the values of faecal coliform and total coliforms indicator organisms are
above the standard guideline values recommended for drinking water,” Daily
Trust reported. The source of the harmful organisms could be traced to any of
the following: the water itself from the water boards, dirty storage tanks,
inappropriate sample collection, sample handling, sample containers, leaking
pipes etc.
According to the Nigerian
Industrial Standard, the health effects of drinking water that exceeded the
maximum limits of the two indicators tested by Daily Trust, i.e. total Coliform
Count and Thermo tolerant Coliform are “urinary tract infections, bacteraemia,
diarrhoea, acute renal failure and haemolyticanaemia.” Some of these are
killer diseases. All in all, analysis showed that the sample taken from Lagos
was not safe for human consumption. They found the same result with the
sample taken from Kaduna, which was found to be totally unsafe for human
consumption. Even though the colour of the water from Kaduna and Abuja
was acceptable, Abuja sample was also found to be harmful.
However, not all states
failed the tests. Water from Enugu, Kano and Katsina was found to be safe
for drinking. Sample collected from Jos, Plateau State was also safe for
drinking. However, many states later faulted the findings. For example,
the Federal Capital Territory water board said that the results couldn’t be
generalized. Director of the board, Hudu Bello, said professionals at the
board verify standards before water is dispensed. Yet, we find the report to be
instructive and the fact that the reporters followed the scientific method was
impressive. The samples were taken randomly; areas where samples were
taken, time and dates were recorded and reported. Above all, the samples
were subjected to standard analyses by experts, which means that the study is
replicable. Another independent entity could follow the same procedure to
falsify the findings of Daily Trust. Until that is done, we are going to
hold this report as the current state of the drinking water situation,
especially from the states surveyed.
We however agree with FCT
water board that we must exercise caution in generalizing the findings.
One study is not enough and more are needed. Therefore, we call for
similar investigations from all concerned; not only of the state of our
drinking water but for other sectors and services as well.
Still, this particular report
calls our attention to a public service that has been left unexamined for many
years. For example, we ask the question, who regulates our water boards?
Are they subject to regulations from agencies such as NAFDAC?
Also important is the fact
that our public water facilities have been around for many years and some are
in dire need of upgrade. However, sometimes when funds are budgeted for
that purpose, the work is not done and the funds disappear. Bad water can
kill and therefore must be freed from the ever present corruption in our
country. When our water providers pump poison to our homes, we can no
longer call what they do public service but something worse, much worse. ’’
Africa Center for Clin Gov Research
& Patient Safety
@ HRI West Africa Group - HRI WA
Consultants in Clinical Governance Implementation
Publisher: Health and Medical Journals
8 Amaku Street Housing Estate, Calabar
Cross River State, Nigeria
Phone No. +234 (0) 8063600642
Visit Website: www.hriwestafrica.com
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