By Adeyinka Adeniran
Ecumenical Water Network Africa has called for the stoppage of what it called commercialisation of water, saying water is a social amenity that must be enjoyed by all.
The call was in a bid to address the pressing issue of water access and justice in Ekiti State.
The Non governmental organisation made the call during a virtual meeting of media stakeholders themed “Voices for Water Justice in Ekiti State.”
Welcoming the participants in his address, The Project Director, Ecumenical Water Network for Africa, Very Reverend Kolade Fadahunsi emphasized the pivotal role of community engagement, highlighting the commencement of a community parliament on reservoirs abandonment initiated by the organization last year.
He said the initiative underscores the urgent need to address water infrastructure challenges within local communities like Aramoko and Ifako-Ekiti.
Also speaking, the program officer for the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) in the Southwest, Mr. Steven Adeniran raised concerns over the dire situation faced by residents who struggle to afford clean and portable water.
He lamented the daily hardships experienced by many in the region due to inadequate water supply.
While providing the expectations from attendees, the Media consultant Mrs. Jadesola Ajibola stressed the importance of media advocacy in pushing for policy change.
Mrs Ajibola urged media practitioners to leverage their platforms to engage the arms of government : legislative, judicial, and executive—to halt water privatization efforts that could exacerbate water accessibility challenges.
In lieu of this and a promising gesture of support, the Ecumenical Water Network Africa pledged a $20 grant to three journalists committed to investigative journalism on water justice issues.
This grant aims to empower journalists to shed light on critical water-related issues and advocate for systemic change.
In his closing remarks, Very Reverend Fadahunsi expressed gratitude to attendees and urged the state government to leverage its authority to generate power in addressing water difficulties, emphasizing that improved power generation would contribute to increased water availability and accessibility for all residents of Ekiti State.
Fadahunsi is also the Director, Institute of Church, Nigeria and Society said the virtual meeting served as a platform for dialogue and collaboration among stakeholders, highlighting the urgency of addressing water justice issues in underserved communities like Aramoko and Ifako-Ekiti.
The discussions underscored the interconnectedness of water access, community development, and governance.
At the meeting, participants emphasized the need for concerted efforts to ensure sustainable water management practices and equitable distribution of resources. The gathering concluded with a shared commitment to advocacy and action, urging policymakers to prioritize investments in water infrastructure and regulatory frameworks that prioritize public access over privatization.
One of the participants, Mr Tunji Saliu quoted the state commissioner for Utility, Professor Aluko as saying one of the major difficulties confronting water availability in Ekiti State is electricity.
As Ekiti State grapples with ongoing challenges related to water access and distribution, the voices raised at this meeting underscore the critical need for collective action and policy reform to achieve lasting water justice for all residents.
The Ecumenical Water Network Africa remains committed to advancing this cause and empowering communities to advocate for their fundamental right to clean and accessible water.
