By Longtong Ibrahim
Jos (Nigeria) – Residents of Plateau State in central Nigeria have been cautioned against patronizing water vendors alleged to be lifting water from unhygienic sources.
General Manager of Plateau State Water Board, Eugene Pam gave the warning in a statement signed by the Public Relations Officer, Nangor Ndam.
It states that residents should be mindful of sources of water the vendors use, explaining that, staff of the Board have complied with Nigeria Labour Congress directive to embark on strike – this has led water tanker operators to source water from contaminated sources.
The General Manager further advised them to treat unsafe water before domestic consumption, and called on those involved in illegal connection, especially in Rikkos to desist from it or face the wrath of the law upon resumption.
“This unfortunate situation has made major water vendors who are tanker operators not to lift treated water from our treatment plants. They are therefore restoring to lifting from mining ponds and other unhygienic raw water sources.”
Residents of Jos have been faced with water scarcity for more than a month as a result of an industrial action embarked upon by civil servants over non-payment of six months salaries.
Recently, there was also a cholera outbreak in the state which led to hospitalisation of over 20 people.