Following reports of water contamination in Temidayo Iludun, Ifako-Ijaiye, Lagos State, members of the CAPPA water team – Gideon Adeyeni and Sefa Ikpa – embarked on a fact-finding visit to the community on Saturday, February 17, 2024. They were joined by Olusola Oludiran, a journalist with the International Press Centre (IPC), and a resident of the area.

During their visit, the CAPPA team attended a community development association meeting, where residents discussed the ongoing water contamination issue. The problem began nine years ago when an excavator working on a bridge construction commissioned by the Lagos State government, damaged an oil pipeline belonging to the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), causing it to start leaking and contaminating the local water supply. Residents reported that the contamination has since spread to other neighboring communities, including Ireakari, Temidire, and Anjuwon, affecting a broader area.

Although efforts were made to fix the pipeline after the accident, evidence suggests that the repair was poorly done resulting in persistent oil leakages. This has consequently forced residents to resort to purchasing water from external sources at high costs. Those unable to afford this are left with no choice but to use the community’s contaminated water for cooking, drinking, and other essential activities despite the health significant risks.  

Community members showed the CAPPA team water samples visibly tainted with an oily sheen and household water containers marked with permanent stains from oil residue. They shared widespread instances of water-borne illnesses, including cases of children requiring hospitalization after consuming the contaminated water. The persistent problem has led to frustration among residents, despite repeated appeals to relevant government agencies, including the Lagos State Ministry of Environment.

Ironically, the Iju water works – the largest such facility in Lagos State – is in proximity to the affected communities yet does not supply them with potable water, thus compounding their woes.  

The visit came to an end with the community appreciating the CAPPA team for their show of concern and commitment to address the situation. Armed with requisite information and evidence, CAPPA is now working closely with the affected communities to seek urgent interventions and engage relevant authorities for remedial actions.