Kaduna Water Crisis Deepens: Vulnerable Groups at Risk as Angwan Baro Residents Struggle for Survival

Residents of Angwan Baro, Kaduna, face a severe water crisis, relying on a single NGO borehole as private drilling causes local wells to dry up.

By: AXL Media

Published: Mar 23, 2026, 6:16 AM EDT

Source: The information in this article was sourced from The Sun Nigeria

The Daily Battle for a Basic Necessity

In the Angwan Baro community, located in the Sabo area of Chikun Local Government, access to clean water has shifted from a fundamental right to a dangerous daily chore. From the earliest hours of dawn until late at night, the streets are filled with men, women, and children carrying jerrycans in a desperate search for supply. This crisis is particularly acute for the most vulnerable; children are frequently seen dodging traffic on busy roads to reach water points, while pregnant women and nursing mothers are exposed to physical strain and health hazards in their quest for what should be a readily available resource.

Seasonal Relief and the Dry Season Struggle

The community’s water security is currently dictated by the weather. Between May and October, the rainy season provides temporary relief as residents harvest rainwater and shallow wells are replenished. However, once the dry season takes hold, these wells dry up within a month, leaving the majority of households stranded. While motorized boreholes offer a solution, the high cost of drilling remains prohibitive for the average family, creating a divide between those who can afford water and those who must rely on the charity of others.

The Unintended Consequences of Private Boreholes

An emerging environmental concern in Angwan Baro is the rapid proliferation of private boreholes. Residents have observed a direct correlation between the drilling of deep boreholes and the failure of surrounding shallow wells. This "hydro-competition" means that as wealthier neighbors secure their own supply, they inadvertently drain the water table for the rest of the community. Experts and locals alike fear that this unregulated drilling may lead to long-term environmental risks, potentially depleting the local aquifer for future generations.