Like many other students, Modangajia Muhammad believes getting water from taps at the law faculty of Usmanu Danfodiyo university, Sokoto, is no longer the safest.

Muhammad is a 400 level student of the faculty. According to him, the frustrating way the water tap dispenses had necessitated students checking if water gets into the tank at all, from the reservoir.

Their discovery was more than the faulty tap but the entire tank harbouring ‘life and death’, this reporter learnt.

Aside from the tank being cobwebbed, Muhammad explained how frustrating it could be, especially for Muslims students wanting to perform ablution for their daily prayers on campus, adding that despite making complaints, only the tap was fixed and not the dirty state of the tank inside.

“We have sometimes informed the LAWSAN about it, the tap was repaired and water was rushing properly but nothing was done on cleaning the water tank. Later on, maybe due to no proper maintenance, it changed all of a sudden and started to dispense water like urine.

“The state of the water tank is bad, it is old and somehow dilapidated. We want the Law Students’ Association of Nigeria (LAWSAN) UDUS chapter to take necessary steps because it is really affecting us,” he said.

Checks by this reporter revealed how dirt has repainted the entire inside of the tank with cobwebs spotted woven around its lid.

Another student, Lawal Usaman said the issue of water tanks is not confined to his faculty alone. According to him, there are faculties in school with similar issues of dirty and cobwebby tanks.

Meanwhile, a 2016 study by Rainwater Tanks Direct explained that “many human diseases are caused by contaminated water. This is why it is especially important for people using their tanks for drinking water to know how to keep them clean. Water contamination can be prevented with the right care. It is important to clean your water tank on a regular basis, about once a year is best. This will also ensure post-tank filters are not over-burdened. A regularly cleaned water tank, properly maintained roofing and gutters, and proper pre- and post-tank filtration are the best way to maintain a safe, clean supply of water.

“Tanks need to be regularly cleaned, but unfortunately many people do not know how to keep water tanks clean. Over time sludge or sediment may build up, which can contaminate your water and cause illness,” it added.

Also a 2022 report by World Health Organization states that “contaminated water and poor sanitation are linked to transmission of diseases such as cholera, diarrhoea, dysentery, hepatitis A, typhoid and polio. Absent, inadequate, or inappropriately managed water and sanitation services expose individuals to preventable health risks.”

“Some 829,000 people are estimated to die each year from diarrhea as a result of unsafe drinking-water, sanitation and hand hygiene. Yet diarrhea is largely preventable, and the deaths of 297 000 children aged under 5 years could be avoided each year if these risk factors were addressed. Where water is not readily available, people may decide handwashing is not a priority, thereby adding to the likelihood of diarrhea and other diseases,” the report added.

Expert Reacts

A professional Plumber, Mr. Yusuf, based in Ilorin, Kwara state capital, explained that “If the reserve tank or overhead reserve tank is not washed regularly, it might lead to tasteful and colourful water which is not hygienic.”

“Water tank needs to be well covered, it can even result to the development of maggots and worms inside the water if proper care is not taken. This is liable to cause cholera and other waterborne diseases,” he asserted.

The chairman of LAWSAN-UDUS, Comrade Bashir Shu’aibu Musa (Rimawa), speaking to this reporter stated that the issue came to his notice.

“Perhaps, it came to my notice that I equally made observations to the effect and found the result positive. As a human being who is bound by mistake and forgetfulness, I was carried off by some activities; particularly the orientation program. And no one reminds me.”

“But In Shaa Allah, I will do all my possible best to see that the water tank is cleaned for hygiene and better for usage,” he promised.

Abdulrasheed Akere is a 300 level student at Usmanu Danfodiyo University Sokoto UDUS. He can be reached via: abdulrasheedabdulkareem01@gmail.com

(Nigerian Tribune)

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