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The goal of our new project "AME NOPA: CLEAN-WATER" is to provide Oshiolo (Agenebode, Edo state Nigeria) drinkable water.

Water quality in Edo State, Nigeria, is problematic, with significant challenges regarding access to clean and safe drinking water.

Many communities rely on contaminated sources such as rivers and unprotected wells, leading to serious health risks.

Poor sanitation and inadequate water treatment infrastructure worsen the situation. The state struggles with pollution from urban waste, agricultural chemicals, and poor waste management practices.

Due to the use of contaminated and dirty water, waterborne diseases are prevalent in Edo State, such as:

• Diarrhea: Especially dangerous for children, often caused by bacteria such as E. coli.
• Cholera: A severe bacterial infection from contaminated drinking water.
• Schistosomiasis: Caused by parasites in contaminated water.
• Hepatitis A: Transmitted through water contaminated with feces.
• Typhoid: A bacterial infection spread by contaminated water or food.
• Helminthiasis (worm infections): Common in communities without clean water and sanitation facilities.

To improve water quality, projects should be initiated for water purification and infrastructure improvement, such as the construction of water treatment plants and the rehabilitation of water supply systems. Additionally, attention should be given to awareness and training to promote hygiene practices. However, climate change remains a risk, with increasing floods and water scarcity complicating efforts.

With investments in sustainable water infrastructure and better sanitation facilities, public health could improve significantly.

The population in this area varies greatly, with Agenebode as the main town, with about 160,000 inhabitants. The village of Oshiolo itself has a lower population density and is mainly populated by farmers and fishermen.

Impact of Water Shortages:

Like many other villages in Edo State, Oshiolo suffers from a chronic shortage of clean drinking water. Most residents rely on traditional sources such as the river, unprotected wells, and rainwater, which are often contaminated. This leads to common waterborne diseases such as cholera, diarrhea, and dysentery. Poor water quality also affects economic productivity, as diseases drain family finances and reduce working hours. Installing a water source, pump, and filtration system in a community like Oshiolo, Agenebode, would have a significant impact on the well-being and development of the population:

Improvement of Health:

• Reduction of waterborne diseases: Unfiltered water often contains pathogens like bacteria, viruses, and parasites, leading to diseases such as cholera, typhoid, and diarrhea. Clean water sources with filtration remove these dangers.
• Better hygiene practices: With a reliable water source, households can maintain better hygiene standards, such as handwashing and cleaning, which further prevents infections.

Environmental Protection:

• Sustainable water use: A well-designed pump and filtration system reduces water wastage and minimizes pollution of sources like rivers and lakes from human activities.

In similar villages in Nigeria, water projects have been shown to reduce the number of waterborne diseases by more than 50% and drastically improve the overall quality of life. By providing clean water, a basic service becomes a lever for broader social and economic development.