Water Tanker Drivers In Enugu Blame War In Iran For Hike In Charges
The ongoing conflict in Iran has led to a significant increase in the cost of water in Enugu and its surrounding areas. Water tanker operators have hiked their charges, attributing the rise to the increased price of gas due to the war. According to the operators, the cost of gas has doubled, making it difficult for them to operate profitably.
Peter Akor, a tanker driver, argued that the operators should not be blamed for the hike. He stated that the cost of gas per litre has risen to around N2,000, forcing them to increase their prices. Akor noted that the hardship will persist until the situation normalises.
Residents are lamenting the development, calling for immediate solutions. They claim that the price hike is affecting their livelihoods, with a 1,000 litre tank of water now sold at N22,000, up from N16,000. Reuben Agbo, a resident, questioned the impact of the war in Iran on Nigeria, an oil-producing country.
The situation is equally dire in Nsukka, where a 400-litre water tank now costs N10,000, up from N6,000. The residents are struggling to cope with the increased cost of water, which is essential for their daily needs.
The Enugu water tanker operators' claim that the war in Iran is responsible for the hike in charges is a classic case of passing the buck. The truth is that Nigeria's energy and fuel problems are homegrown, and the federal government has a responsibility to address them. The Dangote Refinery, which is operational, should be able to cushion the effects of the war in Iran on the domestic market. The fact that residents are struggling to afford water is a stark reminder of the government's failure to provide basic amenities to its citizens. The hike in water charges is a symptom of a larger problem that requires urgent attention from the authorities.
