Spatial Distribution Pattern of Public Water Access in Makurdi, Nigeria

Abstract

Water is explicitly linked with economic progress and developmental trajectories of most countries and regions of the world. However, despite its significant contribution to quality of life, public health and socio-economic development, water scarcity has continuously remained one of the most excruciating problems around the globe. In view of the disproportionate nature of water scarcity, both in space and time, this study examined the spatial distribution pattern of public water access in neighbourhoods of Makurdi, Benue State, Nigeria. By utilizing cluster sampling technique, data on household water sources, water stress features (duration of supply, time and distance) and challenges were obtained through questionnaire administered on 378 households in 13 neighbourhoods in the study area. The data were analyzed using descriptive (frequency and percentage) and inferential statistics (independent T-Test). Findings from the study revealed that households in the study area are characterized by low level of access to public water supply (0.35) and rely on other informal non-network water sources to augment improved water source. The empirical findings also indicated that access to public water supply vary among the neighbourhoods in the study area (t=30.83; df=12; and Sig=<.001). The primary challenge to equitable distribution and access to public water in Makurdi are political factor (3.34) and economic factor (3.18). As a recommendation, the government should invest more in the provision of public water supply infrastructure in Makurdi to help increase daily duration of water access in the study area within reasonable time and distance.