Residents of Kertyo Community Cry Out Over Severe Water Shortage

The residents of Kertyo in Obi Local Government Area, Nasarawa State, have expressed their distress regarding a severe shortage of water, appealing to the state authorities for immediate provision of safe drinking water.

During a community assembly centered on challenges impacting local development, citizens voiced their grievances.

They also called on influential members of the community, as well as organizations and philanthropic groups, to assist in facilitating access to clean water.

In an interview with reporters in Kertyo, Dr. Felix Upav-Saaior, a lecturer at the Federal University of Lafia, explained that the meeting aimed to unite Tiv indigenes living within the state to deliberate on issues impacting their communal progress.

He noted that this gathering is a time-honored tradition intended to evaluate the hurdles facing citizens and develop strategies for advancement.

Dr. Upav-Saaior highlighted additional challenges faced by the community, including security threats arising from conflicts between herders and farmers.

He pointed out that despite having a population exceeding 10,000, there are no government-funded boreholes to provide necessary water supply to the community.

"This is a community that has more than 10,000 people and ironically there is not even a single government borehole in Kertyo community," he remarked.

He urged the Nasarawa State Government, local authorities in Obi, as well as NGOs and corporate bodies, to take action and establish essential infrastructure.

"The absence of water presents a significant challenge to our community as there isn’t a single government borehole available," he further emphasized.

Comrade Simeon Apusu, President of the Tiv Development Association (TIDA), stressed the importance of unity and cooperation among the Tiv population in Nasarawa State during his speech.

He affirmed that the association is dedicated to fostering peace, understanding, and socio-economic advancement among its members.

Community member Jor Usa praised the leadership of the association for its role in encouraging dialogue and enhancing development within the community.

He urged Tiv indigenes to be peaceful, abide by the law, and focus on the welfare of their community.

Thomas Asongu, a former secretary of Obi Local Government Council, commended the organisation of the meeting and encouraged residents to respect their authorities.

The event also marked the inauguration of Hon. Atimism Philip as the President of the Tiv Youth Organisation (TYO), alongside other executives of TIDA.

The gathering addressed important matters related to socio-economic progress, security, collaboration among stakeholders, and the involvement of youth in community governance.

The meeting concluded with a resolution among participants to collaboratively foster peace, unity, and improvement across Tiv communities in Nasarawa State.