Submission ID 118167
| Issue/Objective | Flooding, which is one of the growing challenges of climate change poses significant threat to water and sanitation infrastructure in vulnerable communities as Ogbaru Local Government Area (LGA), Anambra State, Nigeria. This study evaluated the challenges and innovations in providing safe drinking water and sanitation among flood-displaced communities in the region. |
|---|---|
| Methodology/Approach | A mixed-method approach was used, which included surveys with 200 households, key informant interviews, focus group discussions and water quality analysis from 50 water sources. |
| Results | The result from the study showed that 85% of the boreholes and wells were contaminated with E. coli. The mean pH, residual chlorine and turbidity values of the water (5.3 ± 0.99, 0.04 ± 0.03 mg/l and 6.9 ± 1.01 NTU respectively) were below the limits recommended by WHO for drinking water. And coliform bacteria with a 65% increase in diarrhoea cases in local healthcare centers. In addition, 72% of the surveyed households lost access to their toilet facilities which led to increased open defaecation and associated public health risks. Despite interventions from the state and federal governments and humanitarian organizations, water supply was irregular, with 78% of the recipients receiving emergency water only once every 4-7 days. |
| Discussion/Conclusion | Innovative solutions such as community-led sanitation projects, water purification methods (boiling, chlorine tablets and solar disinfection) and borehole rehabilitation, showed a promising solution, but needed scaling up. The study highlighted the urgent need for flood-resilient water infrastructure, improved sanitation facilities, and sustained hygiene education. Recommendations include the development of early warning systems, expansion of locally appropriate water treatment strategies, and enhanced collaboration among stakeholders to ensure long-term water security in flood-prone area. |
| Presenters and affiliations | Comfort Nwagbo Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University Comfort Nwagbo Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University |
