Residents of Garin Galadima, located in the Pindiga area of Akko Local Government in Gombe State, have relied on water sourced from floods for their daily activities for over 40 years. Experts warn that this unhygienic water poses significant health risks, exposing the community to waterborne diseases and other infections. Our correspondent, Chima Azubuike, visited the community and reported on the dire situation regarding water access. Water is essential for sustaining daily human activities, yet many communities in Nigeria still struggle to obtain clean and hygienic water. Garin Galadima, which includes hamlets such as Unguwan Malam Audu, Unguwan Malam Gambo, and Unguwan Abdu, has an estimated population of around 2,500 people who depend on harvested rainwater, known locally as the hard dam, for survival.
The hard dam is an artificial method of collecting rainwater, specifically floodwater, during the rainy season. According to our correspondent’s findings, this water supply has been the community’s lifeline for the past four decades. The harvested water typically lasts from the rainy season into the dry season. Residents either fetch the water themselves or purchase it from vendors who supply it in 25-liter containers. During a visit in December, our correspondent noted that the water collected from rainfall since September was still available for community members.
Abdul Abdulrahman, a local trader in hard dam water, shared that he earns a minimum of N3,000 weekly from his business. He sells the water at N150 per liter, using his motorcycle for transportation. Abdulrahman explained, “I sell water in Garin Galadima, and a Jerry can goes for N150. There is no specific number of people I sell to because water is always in high demand here.” He acknowledged the health risks associated with using stagnant water, stating, “The water causes sickness, but we don’t have a choice because it is the only source we have close to our communities.” He also mentioned that animals are not allowed to drink directly from the water source, as it is crucial for human use.
Another resident, Ahmodu Sarki, noted that some families have relocated due to the challenges of accessing clean water. He explained, “This water is gathered as a result of rainfall, but it often dries up after two months.” Sarki indicated that the community is currently relying on the last rainfall, which occurred at the end of October. He expressed concern that the water supply typically runs out before November.
While traveling to Garin Galadima from Pindiga, visitors may notice tanks of pipe-borne water, which supply nearby towns and private water businesses. Our correspondent confirmed that this government-facilitated pipe-borne water is free, unlike private boreholes that charge for their services. However, these tanks are located several kilometers away from Garin Galadima. Sarki emphasized that although everyone in the community would prefer pipe-borne water, the distance and associated costs make it inaccessible. He mentioned that they buy jerrycans of tap water for N20 in Pindiga and transport them to Sabon Kaura for use.
Another resident, identified as Nana from Sabon Kaura, stated that the hard dam water is essential for the villagers’ survival. She uses it for both drinking and domestic purposes. Audi Galadima, a 40-year-old lifelong resident of Garin Galadima, echoed the difficulties in accessing clean water. He noted, “I usually buy a jerrican of water for N150 because I don’t have any means of transporting it.” He urged the government to expedite efforts to connect the community to ongoing water projects, asserting that this would alleviate a significant challenge for residents.
Mohammadu Rabi’u, the chief Imam of Garin Galadima, lamented the persistent lack of access to clean water. He explained that the nearest source of potable water is about 12 kilometers away from the community. “One of the biggest challenges we face is water; we have no access to good water, and for the past 40 years, we have depended on harvested rainfall for survival,” he said. The residents of Garin Galadima continue to call for urgent government intervention to secure a reliable and safe water supply.
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