Residents of Fugar in Etsako Central Local Government Area of Edo State, are currently facing hardship, as water scarcity hits the town and its environs.

Our correspondent, who went round the town, reports that the scarcity is occasioned by the breakdown of the submersible pumping machine at the Fugar Water Board.

Following the shortage, water vendors have increased their prices by more than 300 per cent.

The price of a 20-litre Jerry can that was previously sold for N10 has been increased to N50, while 250 litres of water now sold for N1,500 as against the former price of N500.

The situation has made residents, who cannot afford the high cost of water to trek several kilometres to the only functional borehole in the town to get water at cheaper rates.

Some residents, who spoke with newsmen said that trekking the long distance was the only option open to them, as they could not afford the high cost of water.

“The closest river we have around here is at Agenebode, which is about 10 kilometres away from here. There are no wells or other sources of water,” they said.

For an octogenarian, Sir Azemobor Nasamu, the water problem that has continued unabated for more than four weeks now is taking its toll on the people.

“I have spent more than N5,000 in the last one week on water alone in my household. If one spent so much on water alone, then how does one survive in this present economic hardship?” Nasamu asked.

A house wife, Mrs Mariam Braimah, said, “This is really affecting us negatively, we have resorted to rationing water as a result of the scarcity, even those who can afford it are complaining.

“Government should please do something urgent before people start contacting diseases over water shortage.”

Meanwhile, the Edo Government said it was aware of the problem and that efforts were being made to rectify the fault at the Water Board.

The Commissioner for Energy and Water Resources, Mr Calistus Ojeabu, who spoke with newsmen on the issue, said that the problem would be addressed as soon as possible.

“You know it takes time to mobilise resources and materials. I can assure you that we are working very hard to address the problem.