The people of Otukpo, Benue State, are facing a serious water crisis as the dry season makes the situation worse. With wells and streams drying up, many residents have no choice but to drink from muddy pools and contaminated sources.

For years, Otukpo has struggled with water shortages. The town, once known for having access to clean water, has now become a place where getting drinking water is a daily battle. The problem gets worse during the dry season, turning into a full-blown crisis.

One of the main reasons for this crisis is the failure of the Otobi Water Works. This facility was built to supply clean water to Otukpo but has been abandoned for many years due to poor maintenance and lack of government action. Without it, both urban and rural residents are left to find water wherever they can, even if it is unsafe.

Drinking dirty water has led to an increase in diseases like cholera, typhoid, and river blindness. Women and children suffer the most as they walk long distances every morning to search for water. Many even compete with animals for access to stagnant ponds.

Several factors contribute to Otukpo’s water crisis:

• Soil Composition: The town’s rocky soil makes it difficult to drill boreholes, unlike other places where underground water is easier to reach.
• Climate Change and Deforestation: Less rainfall and environmental damage have caused natural water sources to dry up.
• Urban Growth: The population of Otukpo is increasing, but water infrastructure has not been improved to meet demand.
• Water Pollution: Many available water sources are contaminated by waste from humans and animals, making them unsafe to drink.

In some communities, people are trying to find their own solutions. Residents of Asa community have started drilling the Ukplo River in a desperate attempt to get water. Local lawmaker Hon. Angbo Kennedy has also donated to support this effort.

Meanwhile, philanthropist Mohammed Odeh Adah, also known as Ochacho, has been helping by providing water through his private initiatives. However, the demand is too high for one person to solve alone.

The Benue State government has acknowledged the crisis and recently announced plans to fix the Otobi Water Works. The Commissioner for Water Resources, Hon. Ugwu Ameh Odoh, promised that the facility will be restored to improve water supply in Otukpo and nearby areas.

While these plans bring hope, residents are still waiting for real action to end the long-standing water crisis in their community.