Amadi, Eleanor A., Nwobike Aruchi. Anireh, Uchenna N.
Department of Business Education, Rivers State University of Science and Technology, Nkpolu-Oroworukwo, Port Harcourt.
Abstract.
The paper takes a look at efforts by the Nigeria nation in attaining sustainable water supply and improved sanitation for both urban and rural dwellers in the country. This was done against the backdrop of the fact that water borne diseases are mostly diseases of poor sanitation that continues to ravage human beings with high number of ill health situations and recorded deaths. Eighteen States of the Federation was chosen as the population for this study, selected from the six geo-political zones. A sample size of 25 respondents per selected state was used after brief interview aimed at ensuring that the participants are knowledgeable on the subject matter. A total of 450 questionnaires were distributed and out of this much, 414 returned representing 92% retrieval rate. The internal consistence of the instrument was determined using Cronbach Alpha Correlation coefficient which yielded an index of 0.85%.Data collected was analyzed using Microsoft Excel descriptive Statistical Analysis at 0.05 error margin. From the result, frequency distribution, percentage and weighted mean responses were calculated; with decision rule placed at and above 2.50 mean rating. It was found that the continued prevalence of cholera out break and other water borne diseases was due to challenges in achieving universal access to safe water, sanitation and hygiene in Nigeria. The inertia in the water industry, characterized by innovation deficit in urban rural water development and distribution systems poses challenge to the attainment of improved water delivery in the country. It was recommended that all relevant stake holders, benefiting communities, Local, State, Federal, development partners, donor agencies and organized private sector to work in synergy to achieve the goals of universal access to safe water, sanitation and hygiene in Nigeria.
Keywords: Potable water, universal access to safe water, diarrhoea /water born disease, innovational deficit, UNICEF, WHO and MDGs.