Reported by: Oahimire Omone Precious | Edited by: Pierre Antoine
Residents of Torugbene Community in Burutu Local Government Area of Delta State are relying on a river reportedly contaminated by human waste for drinking, cooking, and other household needs, according to a recent field report.
The report identified Torugbene as a remote riverine settlement where many households depend on the polluted river as their main source of water due to the absence or failure of safe public water infrastructure.
According to accounts from residents, the water crisis has exposed families to serious health risks, with concerns over diarrhoea, skin infections, and other water-related illnesses. One family cited in the report said a five-month-old child died while being taken to hospital after repeated illness. (Punch Newspapers)
The report said children in the community are commonly bathed with the same river water, while many residents also use it for food preparation and daily domestic activities because there are few alternatives.
Torugbene is located in the Niger Delta riverine belt, where difficult terrain, flooding, poor roads, and limited infrastructure often complicate access to healthcare and public utilities. In the case of Torugbene, residents reportedly travel long distances on rough roads and by motorcycle to access medical treatment in neighbouring towns.
No immediate official response from Delta State authorities was included in the report regarding emergency water intervention, rehabilitation of water facilities, or public health action in the community.
The situation highlights broader challenges in some rural riverine communities across the Niger Delta, where access to clean and potable water remains limited despite years of development promises.
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