Water, the essence of life, is an indispensable resource for all living organisms on Earth. Constituting nearly 70% of the planet’s surface, its significance cannot be overstated. However, despite its abundance, the availability of water remains a critical issue, particularly in public primary schools across the South-East States of Nigeria.
In commemoration of the World Water Day, the Centre of Social Awareness, Advocacy, and Ethics embarked on a visit to Eziobodo Town Primary School and Community Central School in Umuolu Ezimba Emii, Owerri North Local Government Area of Imo State. This visit served as a follow-up to the Local Government Good Governance Monitor Report, which comprehensively assessed the state of primary schools in the region using the Universal Basic Standard. Shockingly, the findings from the survey revealed a prevalent lack of access to water in most public primary schools across the South-East States. During the on-site visits to the aforementioned schools, it was glaringly that none of the schools had reliable access to water. Students were compelled to abandon their studies to embark on journeys in search of water, a task that sometimes led to accidents and also jeopardized their safety. Teachers corroborated these challenges, highlighting the necessity for students to move from village to village in search of this basic necessity.
The ramifications of inadequate water availability in these schools extend far beyond inconvenience. There exist grave health implications for students, as the absence of clean water jeopardizes hygiene standards and exposes them to waterborne diseases. Moreover, the security risks inherent in students leaving the school premises to fetch water cannot be ignored, particularly in the States that have prevalent safety concerns.
Addressing this pressing issue requires immediate intervention from the government. Simple solutions, such as fixing the manpower to facilitate that provides water in these schools, can create a change and enhance water availability. Additionally, investments in infrastructure and sustainable water management practices are essential for ensuring long-term access to water availability.
The availability of water in primary schools is not merely a matter of convenience; it is essentially linked to the health, wellbeing, safety and the academic performance of pupils. As such, concerted efforts must be undertaken to guarantee that every child in Nigeria has access to clean and reliable water sources, starting with the South-East region.
It is imperative that stakeholders, including the Nigerian government, civil society organizations, private individuals and companies, collaborate to address this issue comprehensively. By prioritizing water availability in public primary schools, we can lay the foundation for a healthier, safer and better learning environment for our children. Let us unite in this endeavor and ensure that no child’s education is hindered by the lack of access to this basic necessity.
