Water Service Provision in Owerri City, Nigeria

Abstract

The study investigates water service provision in Owerri-a Nigerian city. For the study both primary and secondary data were obtained and analysed. Secondary data were obtained from Imo State Water Corporation (ISWC) and the Works Department of Owerri Municipal Council. While, primary data were obtained from all the 17 wards that constitute Owerri city, i.e. the municipal area. Key informants were identified and interviewed using a structured interview schedule. The study found that though most residents of Owerri city rely heavily on commercial borehole owners and water tanker drivers/water peddlers for their daily supplies, the government through its SWA is in control, and there is an absence of a popularly acceptable regulatory framework/water policy. It recommends that Water decree 101 from 1993 (water legislation) be reviewed to address growing challenges. In order to enhance regular water supply at less cost, the study recommends that government should collaborate with the private sector and other community based organizations in a tripartite partnership. A new regulatory framework that will carry out government ownership and control of water resources and participatory aspects of water management should be produced by ISWC.

Comparative study of household water treatment in a rural community in Kwara state, Nigeria

“…Other strategies are monitoring and support of water suppliers and regulators, harmonization of sectoral policies and strengthening of institutional arrangements, water safety plan, operation and maintenance network and regulators netw [5].Governments in developing countries lack serious approach to the provision of portable water for urban, peri-urban and rural areas [2; 6-7]. This is revealed by the uncoordinated efforts of the three-tiers of government (Federal, State and Local) in Nigeria towards addressing water challenges and the meager 24% access of rural communities to safe water [6][7]. Other challenges identified include poor level of service, inadequate reticulation network, inadequate monitoring of water-related projects, poor quality control, frequent power outage, low capacity building, poor maintenance culture, corruption, poor planning, population explosion and lack of political will [8][9].…”

From Oil to Cities: Nigeria's Next Transformation

“…Urban growth has made the provision of public services even more challenging. In Owerri City, the state water corporation covered all wards in the early 1990s, but by 2011 reached just 20 percent of residents; to make up the shortfall, commercial bore-wells, and a few community-based wells, sell water to the bulk of residents (Onyenechere 2011).…”

Economic Assessment of Water Pumping Systems Using Wind Energy Conversion Systems in the Southern Part of Nigeria

“…While bottled water is generally used for drinking, borehole water is commonly used for all domestic activities (including drinking). The retail cost of water from commercial borehole water is about $2.668 per cubic metres (Onyenechere, 2011). The boreholes are either operated using electricity from the national grid or diesel generators.…”