PUNCH
Accessing safe drinking water for residents of Asaa, Agbelepon, Agbele, Oke-Odo Ibore and Lafenwa in the Yewa North Local Government Area of Ogun State, is a luxury they can barely afford. In this report, SODIQ OJUROUNGBE exposes the struggles they endure, and journey they embark on in search of this essential amenity in neighbouring Benin Republic
In Asaa and four other agrarian communities, residents’ lives are deeply entrenched in misery and suffering and they have seemingly resigned to the hardships caused by lack of clean water, which is the most crucial basic need for every human.
Without access to boreholes or reliable wells, these communities, along with others in close proximity, are compelled to fetch water from contaminated streams and rivers or endure hours of travel across the border to the Benin Republic, just to fetch clean water.
An investigation by PUNCH Healthwise revealed that the lack of clean water has led to several deaths and health problems for residents of Asaa, Agbelepon, Agbele, Oke-Odo Ibore, and Lafenwa.
It was gathered that they have for years, suffered from gastrointestinal diseases, and skin infections, among other debilitating illnesses.
It was observed that this situation has driven many to tow the religious route, by turning to prayer and hoping for a miracle that will bring them water.
However, as it stands, their lives remain entrenched in hardship and uncertainty…
