Proceedings of the 3rd (Hybrid) International Conference, Faculty of Social Sciences, Niger Delta University, Held on June 4, 2025
DOI: 10.36108/wjss/ConfP.2025.005
CHALLENGES OF DOMESTIC WATER SERVICES IN YENAGOA, BAYELSA STATE
Araikpe, Olaere*1 and Odafivwotu Ohwo
1Department of Geography and Environmental Management, Niger Delta University, Wilberforce Island, Nigeria
Abstract
The level of domestic water services largely influences household’s health and socioeconomic development. However, meeting adequate quantity and quality of water supply has been a major challenge in Nigeria, especially Bayelsa State. Hence, this study analyzed the challenges of domestic water services in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State, Nigeria. The study involved a detail review and analysis of literature on water supply challenges, which was complimented with physical observation of water services in Yenagoa. The study observed that the challenges of providing adequate and sustainable water services in Yenagoa is increasing due to some identified factors, which include: Lack of effective compliance to water policies, weak data base, fragmented responsibility, poor state of infrastructure, high cost of services and rapid urbanization. The bulk of available water supply is unmetered and where metered, ridiculously low rates are charged, which do not cover the operational cost of the State Water Board. In order to address these challenges, there is need for total compliance to water management policies in Yenagoa, encouragement of private stakeholder participation, enforcement of existing laws and regulatory responsibilities. There is also a great need for management policy that aims at financial viability and economic efficiency of the State Water Board by charging more realistic water rates in order to raise the much-needed revenue to meet increasing production and distribution costs.
Keywords: Challenges, Domestic Water, Services.