AN INVESTIGATION OF HEALTH CHALLENGES ARISING FROM INSUFFICIENT WATER SUPPLY AMONG RESIDENTS OF MAIDUGURI METROPOLITAN COUNCIL AREA, BORNO STATE, NIGERIA

CHAPTER ONE INTRODUCTION 1.1 Background of the Study Access to clean and safe water is not only a fundamental human right but also a critical element for maintaining health and well-being. However, Nigeria continues to face major public health challenges due to inadequate water supply. Water is indispensable for life—it is vital for drinking, hygiene, food preparation, and proper sanitation. Unfortunately, a significant number of Nigerians, particularly those residing in rural communities and low-income urban areas, do not have reliable access to clean water. This lack of access contributes to numerous health issues (Adewumi, 2020). According to recent data from the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), approximately 70 million Nigerians are without basic water services, which has led to the persistent outbreak of waterborne diseases such as diarrhea, typhoid, and cholera (UNICEF, 2023). Nigeria’s water infrastructure has historically failed to match the pace of its population growth, rapid urbanization, and the effects of climate change. The nation’s water supply system suffers from inadequate coverage, poor infrastructure maintenance, and weak institutional management (Aremu, 2019). These problems are further intensified by a lack of investment, corruption, and poor governance in the water sector, resulting in severe gaps in the availability of clean water (World Health Organization [WHO], 2022). The absence of a dependable water supply not only affects individual health but also hinders economic and social development. Communities that lack access to water often experience cycles of poverty and disease, as water scarcity negatively impacts agriculture, industrial activity, and education (Odumosu & Akintunde, 2021). One of the most direct outcomes of inadequate water supply is the rise of water-related illnesses. According to WHO, over 70% of Nigeria’s disease burden is linked to unsafe water, inadequate sanitation, and poor hygiene (WHO, 2022). Cholera, for instance, frequently emerges as a public health emergency in different parts of the country, particularly during periods of heavy rain when sanitation systems are overwhelmed and clean water is scarce (Adesina et al., 2020). In remote and rural locations where infrastructure is lacking, residents often depend on water sources such as rivers, unprotected wells, and ponds—all of which are prone to contamination (Ojo & Folarin, 2021). Compounding the problem is the lack of proper sanitation facilities, which leads to further pollution of water sources and escalates health risks (Ajayi et al., 2020). Women and children are disproportionately affected; they are frequently tasked with fetching water from long distances, costing them valuable time that could be used for schooling or income-generating activities (UNICEF, 2023). Urban areas are not spared either. The fast pace of urbanization and population growth has outstripped the capacity of existing water systems in cities. Many urban residents experience irregular or insufficient water supply and are often forced to turn to expensive private water vendors or unsafe alternatives (Adewumi, 2020). The situation is even more dire in slums and informal settlements, where water and sanitation services are nearly non-existent (Odumosu & Akintunde, 2021). Additionally, climate change has worsened the water crisis in Nigeria. Rising temperatures, unpredictable rainfall, and recurring droughts have placed added pressure on already limited water resources (Aremu, 2019). These environmental challenges reduce the availability of fresh water and heighten the risk of contamination in water sources, thereby escalating public health concerns. Various initiatives have been launched by international bodies such as UNICEF and WHO, as well as the Nigerian government, to improve access to clean water and sanitation (UNICEF, 2023). Nonetheless, major obstacles remain, including inadequate funding, political instability, and limited community involvement in water management initiatives (Ajayi et al., 2020). Against this backdrop, this research aims to explore the health challenges associated with inadequate water supply among residents of the Maiduguri Metropolitan Council area in Borno State, Nigeria. 1.2 Statement of the Problem The challenge of inadequate water supply remains persistent and deeply concerning in Nigeria, significantly affecting public health and overall quality of life. Despite various interventions and efforts, millions of Nigerians continue to face daily struggles to access safe drinking water. This issue directly contributes to a wide range of health problems. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), water scarcity and contamination are major causes of waterborne diseases, including typhoid, cholera, and dysentery (WHO, 2022). These diseases play a significant role in the country's high rates of illness and death, especially among vulnerable groups such as young children, pregnant women, and the elderly (UNICEF, 2023). Both rural and urban areas suffer from inadequate water infrastructure, forcing many people to depend on unsafe water sources like open wells, rivers, and ponds—many of which are contaminated with disease-causing organisms and harmful chemicals (Adejumo & Olutola, 2021). This problem is made worse by rapid population growth, urban sprawl, climate change, and poor management of water resources (Oyebode et al., 2020). The public health consequences extend beyond waterborne illnesses to include poor sanitation and hygiene practices. When clean water is not readily available, everyday practices such as handwashing, food hygiene, and household cleanliness are compromised, increasing the likelihood of infections and other health complications (WHO, 2022). This burden is often heaviest on the poorest communities, further deepening health disparities and keeping many families trapped in poverty (UNICEF, 2023). Therefore, this study sets out to investigate the specific health issues arising from poor water supply in Maiduguri Metropolitan Council Area of Borno State, Nigeria. 1.3 Objective of the Study The main objective of this study is to examine the health problems linked to inadequate water supply among residents of the Maiduguri Metropolitan Council Area in Borno State, Nigeria. The specific objectives are: i. To identify the factors contributing to the inadequate water supply in Maiduguri Metropolitan Council Area. ii. To assess the impacts of inadequate water supply on the residents of Maiduguri Metropolitan Council Area. iii. To explore the specific health issues caused by inadequate water supply in Maiduguri Metropolitan Council Area. iv. To propose practical recommendations aimed at enhancing water supply infrastructure in Maiduguri Metropolitan Council Area. 1.4 Research Questions To guide the research, the following questions have been formulated: i. What are the factors responsible for the inadequate water supply in Maiduguri Metropolitan Council Area? ii. What are the consequences of inadequate water supply on residents in Maiduguri Metropolitan Council Area? iii. What health issues are commonly associated with inadequate water supply in Maiduguri Metropolitan Council Area? iv. What recommendations can be made to improve water supply infrastructure in Maiduguri Metropolitan Council Area? 1.5 Significance of the Study The findings of this study are expected to be highly valuable to government agencies, policy-makers, and non-governmental organizations (NGOs) involved in the water and sanitation sector. It will provide a strong evidence base for revising current water policies, prioritizing infrastructure investments, and addressing management and governance gaps in the water sector. Furthermore, the study will be of academic importance by contributing to the body of existing knowledge. It will serve as a useful reference for scholars, researchers, and students interested in water-related public health issues, and may stimulate further research in this field. 1.6 Scope of the Study This study focuses on examining the health problems resulting from inadequate water supply among residents of the Maiduguri Metropolitan Council Area in Borno State, Nigeria. Empirically, the study will evaluate the underlying causes of poor water supply, analyze its impacts on the community, investigate the health conditions it has triggered, and provide actionable suggestions to improve water infrastructure. Geographically, the research is limited to the Maiduguri Metropolitan Council Area of Borno State. 1.7 Limitations of the Study Like many academic endeavors, this research encountered some constraints. Time was a major limitation, as the researcher had to balance academic commitments such as attending lectures and completing coursework alongside conducting the study. Financial constraints also posed a challenge. The costs associated with printing, typesetting, sourcing materials, and collecting data were considerable. Availability of research materials was another limitation. Due to the specific nature of the topic, there was limited literature available, which made the process of gathering relevant information more difficult. 1.8 Definition of Terms Inadequate Water Supply: The condition where access to clean, safe, and sufficient water for daily needs—such as drinking, cooking, hygiene, and sanitation—is limited or unavailable. Waterborne Diseases: Illnesses caused by pathogens such as viruses, bacteria, or parasites that are transmitted through contaminated water. Examples include cholera, typhoid fever, and diarrhea. Sanitation: The systems and practices involved in managing human waste and maintaining hygienic conditions through proper waste disposal and clean water facilities. Public Health: The science and practice of preventing illness, extending life, and promoting health through organized societal efforts. In this study, it refers to the health impacts arising from poor water access. Climate Change: The long-term changes in global or regional climate patterns, often due to human activity, that affect water availability and increase water-related challenges. Water Scarcity: A condition where the available water resources are insufficient to meet the demands of a population, affecting access to safe water for drinking, sanitation, and agriculture.