Residents of Kwara State, particularly in the Tanke Bubu community of Ilorin, are resorting to purchasing bags of sachet water for bathing and cooking as the dry season intensifies, exacerbating a critical water shortage.

Those unable to afford the sachets now trek long distances in search of potable water, severely disrupting daily life and well-being.

The crisis stems from dried-up surface wells and a lack of functional borehole systems in the area. Locals report that existing water sources have vanished, leaving entire households reliant on costly alternatives or arduous journeys to neighbouring areas for basic water needs.

“We are forced to trek long distances in search of water,” a resident, Shukurah Ibirogba, said, adding, “We often wake up as early as 3:30 a.m. to beat the rush at the few available sources.”

Another source in the locality, Olabisi Boluwatife, a student of the University of Ilorin, recalls, “I was left with no option but to cook with pure water last Sunday because I couldn't find water clean enough for cooking.”

According to her, coping with the water scarcity has been physically and mentally draining, especially as a student trying to manage academics and basic survival.

According to Boluwatife, “I've never lived in an area like this where there's no pipeborne or borehole water now, coupled with the wells drying up pretty fast. It's really frustrating.”

Other students lament that they most times attend class without bathing or go a whole day without cooking.

Another Unilorin student from Oyo State in the community complained that she was forced to take water from various sources.

“It sometimes affects my skin and causes general health issues,” she added.

Another resident and shop owner, Mrs. Omolayo Oke, explained how the situation affected small business owners and families.

She said many households now rely on water vendors for survival.

Residents have continued to prevail on the authorities for intervention as there is no visible solution for water scarcity in sight.