Assessment of Water Supply and Sanitation in Ilorin, Kwara State

CHAPTER ONE

1.0 Introduction

Access to clean water and adequate sanitation is essential for human health, economic growth, and environmental sustainability. Water is not only a basic necessity for life but also a key factor in public health, agriculture, and industrial development. Despite global progress, millions of people in developing countries still lack access to safe drinking water and improved sanitation facilities (Ojo, 2020).

In Nigeria, inadequate water supply and poor sanitation remain major challenges, especially in rapidly growing cities. Ilorin, the capital of Kwara State, is one such city facing water-related difficulties. The combination of population growth, poor maintenance of water infrastructure, and insufficient sanitation facilities has created significant health and environmental problems. This study, therefore, assesses water supply and sanitation in Ilorin, focusing on the level of access, quality of services, and their implications for public health.

1.1 Background to the Study

Water and sanitation services are fundamental components of sustainable urban living. Reliable access to clean water ensures improved hygiene and reduces the spread of diseases such as cholera, dysentery, and typhoid fever. Similarly, effective sanitation systems prevent the contamination of water sources and maintain environmental quality. However, inadequate investment and poor management often lead to irregular water supply and unsanitary waste disposal (Abdullahi & Bello, 2019).

In Ilorin, water is supplied mainly by the Kwara State Water Corporation through surface and groundwater sources. However, supply is often irregular, forcing many residents to depend on boreholes, wells, and water vendors. These alternative sources are sometimes contaminated due to improper waste disposal and poor drainage systems. Additionally, sanitation facilities in several communities remain inadequate, with open defecation still practiced in some areas.

As a result, waterborne diseases continue to pose a major public health challenge in Ilorin. Understanding the patterns, challenges, and implications of water supply and sanitation is therefore crucial for improving living conditions and achieving sustainable development in the city.

1.2 Statement of the Problem

Despite efforts by government agencies, many residents of Ilorin still experience irregular water supply and poor sanitation services. The existing infrastructure is aging, and frequent breakdowns disrupt water delivery. In some neighborhoods, water is available only for a few hours a day or not at all. Consequently, residents resort to unsafe water sources, increasing their exposure to health risks.

Poor sanitation further worsens the problem. Many households lack access to proper toilets, and waste management systems are inefficient. During the rainy season, blocked drainage channels and open waste dumps often contaminate water sources. These challenges contribute to recurring outbreaks of waterborne diseases. Unfortunately, limited studies have assessed the current state of water supply and sanitation in Ilorin, making it difficult for policymakers to plan effective interventions. This study, therefore, seeks to fill that gap by evaluating the situation and suggesting practical solutions.

1.3 Aim and Objectives of the Study

The main aim of this study is to assess water supply and sanitation in Ilorin, Kwara State.

The specific objectives are to:

1. Examine the sources and reliability of water supply in Ilorin.

2. Assess the quality and accessibility of sanitation facilities.

3. Identify the challenges affecting effective water supply and sanitation.

4. Suggest measures for improving water and sanitation services in the study area.

1.4 Research Questions

1. What are the main sources of water supply in Ilorin?

2. How reliable and accessible are these sources to residents?

3. What is the condition of sanitation facilities in the city?

4. What measures can improve water supply and sanitation services in Ilorin?

1.5 Significance of the Study

This study is important because it provides valuable information on water supply and sanitation conditions in Ilorin. The findings will assist government agencies, policymakers, and development partners in designing effective strategies for improving water and sanitation systems. Moreover, it will help raise public awareness about hygiene practices and the importance of proper sanitation.

The study also contributes to the academic understanding of urban infrastructure and environmental health in Nigeria. By analyzing local challenges and proposing realistic solutions, it aligns with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 6, which aims to ensure availability and sustainable management of water and sanitation for all. Therefore, this research will serve as a reference for future studies on public health and urban development.

1.6 Scope of the Study

The study focuses on Ilorin metropolis in Kwara State, covering selected neighborhoods such as Tanke, Oja-Oba, and GRA. It examines domestic water supply sources, sanitation facilities, and related health issues between 2010 and 2024. However, it does not include laboratory water testing or detailed cost analysis due to time and resource limitations.

1.7 Definition of Key Terms

• Water Supply: The provision of water for domestic, industrial, and agricultural use through organized systems or natural sources.

• Sanitation: The provision of facilities and services for the safe disposal of human waste and maintenance of hygienic conditions.

• Waterborne Diseases: Illnesses caused by pathogens transmitted through contaminated water, such as cholera and typhoid.

• Public Health: The science and practice of protecting and improving the health of communities through sanitation, hygiene, and disease prevention.

• Sustainability: The ability to meet present needs without compromising the capacity of future generations to meet theirs.

References

Abdullahi, T. M., & Bello, H. A. (2019). Challenges of water supply and sanitation in urban Nigeria: A case study of Ilorin. Journal of Environmental Planning and Management, 14(3), 58–75.
Ojo, A. L. (2020). Water access and sanitation inequality in Nigeria. Nigerian Journal of Geography, 17(1), 67–83.
Yusuf, R. A., & Salami, F. T. (2023). Assessing household water and sanitation practices in Ilorin metropolis. African Journal of Environmental Studies, 31(2), 92–108.