Lagos communities battle worsening water scarcity as power cuts, decaying infrastructure cripple supply

Several communities across Lagos are facing deepening water scarcity as persistent power outages and failing infrastructure continue to disrupt public water supply systems. Residents in parts of Alimosho, Ikorodu, Surulere, Ajegunle, and Amuwo-Odofin say they have gone weeks relying on water vendors and boreholes, with many paying higher prices as demand surges.

According to community members, frequent electricity blackouts make it difficult for water treatment plants and pumping stations to operate consistently. Even when power is restored, broken pipes, leaking distribution lines, and old facilities often prevent water from reaching many neighbourhoods.

Local water vendors have taken advantage of the situation, increasing prices for jerry cans and tanker deliveries. For low income families, the rising cost has become a major strain, forcing some households to ration water for cooking, bathing, and other daily needs.

Community leaders are calling for urgent government intervention to repair damaged pipelines, upgrade treatment plants, and provide stable electricity to water stations. They warn that the crisis could escalate into health challenges if not addressed quickly, as limited access to clean water increases the risk of waterborne diseases.

Officials of the Lagos Water Corporation have acknowledged the challenges and promised ongoing repairs, while attributing some delays to power supply issues and the aging state of infrastructure. Residents, however, say the response has been slow and are demanding faster, more sustainable solutions.

For now, many Lagos communities continue to struggle, hoping for a long term fix to a problem that has left millions without reliable access to clean water.