At least 47million Nigerians defecate while another 69million are presently living without adequate access to water according to a Non-Governmental Organisation (NGO), Hope Spring Water Charity Foundation.
The disclosure was made by the NGO during the 2018 Water Action Month which was marked with a two-day walk through the streets, parks, green gardens and malls of Abuja between 10am and 4pm.
According to the Country Director of the Charity, Temple Oraeki, the purpose of the walk is to sensitise residents of Abuja and Nigerians in general of their rights as human, to clean and safe water sources close to their homes.
The foundation added that it is joining people around the world to push for a world with easy access to water with its ‘Walk for Water’ which encourages Nigerians to hold government accountable for access to clean water at homes and other spaces for its citizens.
It noted that the month of global action every March provides a platform for organisations and communities to stand together with a common voice – a platform that was shared by Hope Spring and other Non- Governmental Organisations namely; PickThatTrash and PHAAE as partners.
The Foundation noted that emphasis must be laid on involving the vulnerable and most marginalised groups in decision making.
The Foundation added that during its investigations, it was discovered that many citizens are not aware of their rights to portable water. It noted that it is a common practice for Nigerians to provide water for themselves through boreholes while the poor who cannot afford to construct a borehole are left with no choice than to walk miles in search of water.
