Residents of Ikorodu and Alapere in Lagos State continue to battle irregular water supply and poor water quality, forcing many households to depend on costly private sources for their daily needs.
A survey by the News Agency of Nigeria on Tuesday revealed that unstable electricity supply plays a direct role in worsening access to water in both communities, while widespread concerns over hygiene and safety have increased reliance on sachet and bottled water.
This situation persists despite significant government investments aimed at improving potable water supply across Lagos.
In Ikorodu, residents say water availability often depends entirely on access to electricity. A cinematographer, John Taiwo, told NAN that he relies strictly on an electric pump to fill his household tank.
“The only threat to my water supply is when the electricity company doesn’t bring light and my tank finishes,” he said, adding that he treats the water before drinking it.
Market vendor Iya Ibeji said she pays to access water at the market but faces scarcity whenever the community borehole dries up or during power outages. She buys sachet water for drinking.
Another resident, Idris Ayeni, said the private borehole he installed ended years of water scarcity in his home. “Making a borehole has been the best decision… I no longer buy sachet water because my borehole water is suitable for drinking,” he said.
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In Alapere, however, the challenges are more severe, with residents citing serious concerns about water quality.
A banker, Mrs Olaoti Omowunmi, described the water in her compound as “very bad,” saying she uses it only for toilet purposes. She buys 10 gallons of water from a community borehole for ₦2,500 every few days.
Businessman Femi Ogungbe said his compound’s water is often mixed with soil, making purchased water a safer alternative.
Some residents reported better conditions. Mrs Janet Adeola said the borehole water in her compound is clean and reliable, though she has never tested it scientifically.
In Alapere market, traders depend heavily on water vendors. One seller said she buys two 25-litre kegs daily at ₦250 per keg to run her business.
Findings show that water scarcity remains widespread across both communities, worsened by power outages, dry-season depletion of wells, and inconsistent borehole performance. While private boreholes provide relief for some households, many others rely on purchased water, with sachet water remaining the most trusted option for drinking.
Residents appealed to the Lagos State Government to urgently expand access to public water infrastructure to ease the burden on households and businesses.