Residents of Ewatto community in Esan South-East Local Government Area of Edo State have raised concerns over the prolonged lack of access to clean and safe drinking water, saying the situation has exposed thousands of residents to health risks and forced many families to depend on unsafe water sources.
The concerns were made public on June 22, 2026, when residents of Ewatto, Esan South-East Local Government Area, Edo State, spoke about their challenges in obtaining potable water. Community members who spoke on the issue said years of inadequate water supply had left residents relying on rainwater and water collected from pits, while several families reported recurring illnesses linked to the consumption of unsafe water.
According to residents, access to clean water has remained a major challenge despite repeated appeals for government intervention over the years.
Many households reportedly depend on reservoirs filled with rainwater during the rainy season, while others source water from makeshift pits and other unregulated locations.
Community members said the situation has particularly affected vulnerable groups, including children and elderly residents, who are more susceptible to waterborne diseases and related health complications.
One resident recounted how his father became seriously ill and was rushed to a hospital, where medical personnel reportedly advised him to stop drinking water collected from rainfall reservoirs because of potential health dangers.
The resident added that his mother later experienced a similar health challenge and received the same medical advice from healthcare professionals.
Other residents also expressed concern about the impact of unsafe water on children within the community.
According to accounts from residents, several children have reportedly required medical treatment after developing illnesses believed to be linked to contaminated water sources.
A resident cited the case of a child who was taken to a hospital in a neighbouring community after becoming seriously ill.
The resident said medical personnel reportedly informed the family that the quality of water being consumed by the child posed significant health risks.
Community members pointed to the General Hospital in nearby Ewohimi as a facility that frequently receives patients from Ewatto and surrounding areas suffering from illnesses associated with poor water quality.
Residents said recurring health challenges have become a source of concern for many families, particularly those who lack alternative sources of clean water.
Several community members described the situation as a silent public health crisis affecting daily life and placing financial pressure on households already struggling with economic challenges.
According to them, repeated visits to hospitals and healthcare facilities have become common for many residents seeking treatment for preventable illnesses.
The residents noted that despite their efforts to draw attention to the issue, they have yet to witness substantial improvements in water infrastructure within the community.
They said access to clean water remains one of the most pressing developmental needs facing Ewatto.
The concerns come amid broader discussions about water sector funding and implementation of water-related projects in Edo State.
Available budgetary records indicate that the Edo State Ministry of Water Resources allocated significant funds for capital projects in recent years.
However, reports have highlighted gaps between budgeted allocations and actual expenditure within parts of the state's water sector.
Data cited by residents showed that the Ministry of Water Resources had a capital expenditure budget of approximately N4.333 billion in 2025.
Of that amount, about N980.289 million was reportedly spent during the fiscal year.
Residents also pointed to figures indicating that the ministry budgeted about N912 million for capital expenditure related to rural water supply programmes during the same period.
According to the information referenced by community members, no expenditure was recorded against that allocation by the end of the year.
Similarly, in 2024, the ministry reportedly budgeted approximately N809 million and spent about N217.7 million.
The Edo State Small Town Rural Water Supply Agency also reportedly utilised only a portion of its allocated budget during that period.
These figures have fuelled concerns among residents and public policy observers regarding the pace of implementation of water projects in rural communities.
Stakeholders argue that improved access to clean water is essential for reducing disease burdens and improving overall public health outcomes.
Public health experts have consistently identified access to safe drinking water as a critical factor in preventing waterborne diseases and improving quality of life.
The World Health Organization and other health agencies have repeatedly emphasised the importance of clean water in reducing preventable illnesses, particularly among children.
For residents of Ewatto, however, the challenge remains immediate and deeply personal.
Many families continue to rely on temporary and potentially unsafe water sources while awaiting long-term solutions.
Community members said they hope government authorities and relevant agencies will prioritise investments in water infrastructure and ensure that rural communities receive adequate attention.
They stressed that access to clean water should be treated as a fundamental necessity rather than a luxury.
Residents further called for urgent intervention to address the situation before more people are affected by water-related illnesses.
As concerns continue to grow, community leaders and residents say sustainable water projects and effective monitoring of allocated resources will be essential to resolving the long-standing challenge.
For now, many residents of Ewatto say they remain hopeful that their appeals will result in concrete action capable of providing the community with reliable access to clean and safe drinking water.
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