By Aji Faith
Residents of the 500‑unit estate in Lokoja, Kogis State capital, have been battling a crippling water shortage for more than two years.
With over 3,000 people living there, the erratic supply has forced many homes to go months without a single drop.
Families now rely on private boreholes, water vendors, and nearby streams that are neither reliable nor safe.
The local water board blames aging pipes and ongoing repairs at the main pumping station, but residents say the problem repeats every dry season with no lasting fix.
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“Every dry season we face the same thing. There’s poor communication from the authorities and no effort to upgrade the system for our growing population,” said Mr. Sunday Abu, a long‑time resident.
Water vendors are exploiting the crisis, hiking the price of a 25‑liter jerrycan by more than 60 % in just the past week, putting extra strain on low‑income families.
Health officials warn the shortage could trigger water‑borne disease outbreaks if not resolved quickly.
The estate’s management and residents are now appealing to the state government and water corporations to intervene urgently, restore a steady supply, and invest in long‑term infrastructure upgrades.
