Virtual UNGlobal Water

SummitFinal cycle: action plan

by Children’s CentreUniversity of Nigeria, Nsukka, Nigeria

WATER SCARCITYOur topic is water scarcity. This is a problem in Nsukka and inmany parts ofNigeria.

In Nigeria we have a long dry season during which there is very little rain.

There are no lakes or rivers in our area, so water is pumped from deep boreholes.

We have water taps in Children’s Centre and in our homes, but often the taps are dry.

When water is not running, tankers bring water to store in tanks, which then supply

our taps.

There are many causes of

water scarcity: • Blocked and broken pipes • Poor power supply• Breakdown in transport• Poor distribution network • Lack of rain in the dry season

Blocked pipes

Pipes get blocked due to plant roots, algae and rust.

Blocked pipes lead to reduction of water pressure.

Broken pipesPipes get broken due to:•Vandalism•Rust•Farmers digging•Heavy truck traffic•Heavy water pressure•Construction work

Broken pipes cause water wastage and scarcity.

Poor power supplyWhen there is powerfailure, boreholes can not function and this leads to scarcity of water.

Using generators to pump water is expensive, also leading to scarcity.

Breakdown in transport• When water

tankers break down, water distribution is disrupted.

• Poor roads make some places inaccessible.

Poor distribution network• Outside campus many

people do not have access to boreholes or pipe-borne water.

• Water tankers rarely go to rural areas where most people can not afford to buy water.

Lack of rain in the dry season

0

50

100

150

200

250

300

350

January

February

March

AprilMay

June Ju

ly

August

September

October

November

December

Series1

During the dryseason from November to March, there islittle or no rain.As a result people cannot collect rainwater, but depend only on water from boreholes.

What are the solutions to water scarcity?

Actions Government can take:

• Provide adequate and regular electricity;• Provide adequate security for water pipes;• Replace old pipes and repair broken ones;• Buy more generators to connect to

boreholes;• Make fuel inexpensive;• Dig more boreholes to supply water to all

areas.

Actions we can take:• Form self-help organizations in our

communities to ensure adequate supply of water, e.g. by contributing money for fuel, water tankers, digging boreholes;

• Buy water tanks to store water or build underground water tanks to collect rain water during the rainy season.

Storing water in tanksMany people buy plastic or metal tanks like this large plastic tank at the Children’s Centre to store water when it is running or to fill with water brought by tankers.

Underground water tankThis drawing shows an underground water tank beside a house. It collects water from the roof during the rainy season. One can make use of the water during the dry season by pumping it through pipes into the house.

CONCLUSIONWater scarcity is a problem in our community. We can solve this problem by joining hands with the government to ensure adequate water supply.

THANK YOU!

From Children’s Centre, University of Nigeria