Thread by @mediaforcc

This is Zokutu community on the outskirts of Kuje Area Council in Nigeria's Federal Capital Territory, #Abuja. With approximately 3000 people living in this community, this cave is the only source of water – drinking, bathing, laundry

#THREAD
#ZokutuNeedsWater #GlobalGoals #SDG6

The total absence of drinking water in #Zokutu community attracted the @mediaforcc team to visit and tell the first-hand story of #WaterPoverty experienced.

#ZokutuNeedsWater #GlobalGoals #SDG6 #WASH #WASH4All #LeaveNoOneBehind

With poor road network, limited telecommunication access & mud houses, the level of development in #Zokutu is less than basic; more severe is the zero access to drinking water resulting in illnesses & deaths.

#ZokutuNeedsWater #GlobalGoals #SDG6 #WASH #WASH4All #LeaveNoOneBehind

This cave, about 6 ft below ground level is the only source of water in Zokutu - oily, dirty, coloured, smelling and tasty; thousands of people - women & children, young & old, are left with no other option

#ZokutuNeedsWater #GlobalGoals #SDG6 #WASH #WASH4All #LeaveNoOneBehind

The cave is located ≈1km from residential areas and ≈6ft below ground level, through bushy paths with very steep slopes

Day & night, children & women have to trek such long distances to fetch unclean water

#ZokutuNeedsWater #GlobalGoals #SDG6 #WASH #WASH4All #LeaveNoOneBehind

In an interview with the head of the community - Chief Joana Bauta, he lamented that #Zokutu community has recorded many deaths due to water-related illnesses.

#ZokutuNeedsWater #GlobalGoals #SDG6 #WASH #WASH4All #LeaveNoOneBehind

We had a conversation with this young boy, David, he shared experiences about how #WaterPoverty in his community has made it difficult for him, his sister & friends, especially how it has affected his #Education.

#ZokutuNeedsWater #GlobalGoals #WASH #WASH4All #LeaveNoOneBehind

The unavailability of water in #Zokutu has also affected the menstrual health and hygiene of ladies and women in the community exposing them to a lot of menstrual-related diseases.

#ZokutuNeedsWater #GlobalGoals #SDG6 #WASH #WASH4All #LeaveNoOneBehind

Like many other rural areas, access to healthcare is not the best in #Zokutu community and this makes the need for access to clean water more urgent to reduce the occurrences of diseases and deaths recorded.

#ZokutuNeedsWater #GlobalGoals #SDG6 #WASH #WASH4All #LeaveNoOneBehind