FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Addressing the Water Crisis in Bare Tangji Community, Biliri LGA: A Call for Urgent Government Intervention
As the world marks International Water Day, the ongoing water crisis in the rural communities of Gombe state continues to increase the susceptibility of women and girls in these communities. The Centre for Population and Environmental Development (CPED), in collaboration with the Centre for Grassroots Community Education and Development is implementing a research project aimed at empowering women and girls who are Agro-pastoralists in the pilot communities of Akko, Billiri and Kaltungo Local Government Areas (LGAs) of Gombe state. The project supported by IDRC through the SPARC initiative has identified lack of access to clean and portable water as one of the pressing challenges facing the people of Bare Tangji community in Billiri LGA.
The Water Crisis in Bare Tangji
Grassroots consultations and field assessments have shown that residents of Bare Tangji community rely on open concrete wells and partially functional hand pumps for water. These sources are not only inadequate but also pose serious health risks due to contamination. Additionally, the lack of water for livestock—cattle, small ruminants, and poultry—further threatens the livelihood and food security of the agro-pastoralist community.
To cope with this crisis, residents, including women and children, are forced to travel long distances to ponds and earth dams in neighbouring communities to fetch water for domestic use and their animals. This practice comes with severe risks, including:
Exposure of women and girls to gender-based violence and exploitation while traveling through isolated areas.
Increased likelihood of children drowning in open water sources.
Loss of valuable time that could be used for livelihood activities or attending schools.
A Call for Immediate Action
Water is a fundamental human right, and the people of Bare Tangji should not continue to suffer due to lack of access to this essential resource. CPED and its partners are calling on the government of Gombe State, the Federal Ministry of Water Resources and other relevant policymakers to urgently intervene by:
Constructing solar-powered boreholes in strategic locations across Bare Tangji community to provide a sustainable and clean water source.
Establishing water reticulation schemes and dedicated animal drinking points to support the agro-pastoralist way of life.
Developing policies to enhance access to potable water in rural communities to reduce the burden on women and children.
Providing sustainable water supply in Bare Tangji community will not only improve health and sanitation but also enhance livelihoods, education, and security for women, girls, and the entire community. We urge the government and all stakeholders to take swift action in addressing this urgent need.
For media inquiries, please contact:
Centre for Population and Environmental Development (CPED)
54 Akenzua Street, Off Airport Road, Benin City, Edo State.
Email: enquiries@cped.org.ng
Phone: +234-8080-472-801, +234-8166-557-537
#EndWaterCrisis #WaterForAll #CPED #CGCED
