'We Cannot Cook or Bathe': Akintola Residents Decry Acute Water Crisis

By Salako Blessing

​Akintola Hall of Residence, known for its consistent water supply, has recently left its residents in discomfort as students face water scarcity. The water shortage began earlier this week, as residents were seen queuing to fetch water at different times of the day.

​Speaking with OAUPEEPS, several occupants expressed their disappointment and the challenges they face due to the water scarcity.

Marvelous, a 300-level student of Family Nutrition and Consumer Science, recounted her experience so far, lamenting how she had to attend class late because she had to fetch water. 

‘I had to queue for water this morning, and it took me up to an hour before I could fetch water, and I ended up being late for my class this morning.’ She further expressed her disappointment, saying, ‘I was not expecting this at all because I heard Akintola Hall has water constantly.’

Residents queuing to fetch water at Akintola Hall.

 ​Another student, Sonia, a 200-level student of Sociology and Anthropology, was seen waiting for the little drops of water from the tap to fill her cup so she could brush her teeth. She also complained bitterly about the stress she had to endure to cook. 

‘I had to borrow water from block to block yesterday before I could cook, and it was not even enough. I had to buy a bag of pure water to cook because the water that comes directly from the dam, without filtering it, cannot be used to cook or brush my teeth,’ she said. 

‘When I tried using the dirty water to bathe, I reacted really badly. I had to spend extra money on Dettol to bathe,’ she said.

This development raises concerns about the potential health hazards that residents may face when using the dam's water. 

Weather to Blame, Porter speaks

To understand the problem, OAUPeeps spoke with one of the porters, who explained that the issue is beyond their control. 

‘We depend on the supply of water from the dam, but sometimes, the machines may be faulty from their side, and that is when we rely on the borehole for the supply of water,’ he said. 

​He further explained that the change in weather is also a factor. 

‘The weather has changed, everywhere is dry, so the water we can get from the ground is not as much as we would get during the rainy season. Therefore, if we pump for two hours now, the number of water tanks that would be filled will not be many because there is not enough water, and this is also why we have to pump at specific times of the day, which is always morning and night, to ensure that everyone can fetch.’

​The Porter also mentioned that the pumping machine, which is relied on, is faulty and is being managed by the staff to provide little water for the residents.

No Water, Residents Find Alternatives

With no resolution in sight, many residents have begun to devise methods to cope with the challenge.

​Ibukun, a 300-level student of Education and English, shared her coping mechanism with OAUPEEPS. ‘I have a big keg which I always make sure is filled with water. I make sure to manage my water use and avoid using it unnecessarily. I do not even use the hostel toilet; if I am not too pressed, I go to my church at the religious ground to use their toilet because of the free water.’

​Another resident, Anuoluwa, a 200-level student of Accounting, lamented that it has not been easy for her at all. ‘I really hate going late to class, but this recent irregular supply of water is turning me into a latecomer, so I decided to start fetching water two days ahead. I make sure I fill all of my buckets and kegs so I will not be stranded. It is not convenient, but we must adapt.