0704-883-0675     |      dataprojectng@gmail.com

An Evaluation of Constitutional Law on Access to Clean Water: A Study of Gombe Local Government Area, Gombe State

  • Project Research
  • 1-5 Chapters
  • Abstract : Available
  • Table of Content: Available
  • Reference Style:
  • Recommended for :
  • NGN 5000

Background of the Study

Access to clean water is a fundamental human right, critical for the health, economic development, and well-being of citizens. In Nigeria, the right to clean water is implicitly guaranteed under the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, particularly in the context of fundamental rights to life and dignity, as enshrined in Section 33 and Section 34. However, despite these constitutional guarantees, access to clean water remains a significant challenge in many parts of the country, including Gombe Local Government Area (LGA) in Gombe State. The National Water Policy of 2004 and subsequent frameworks, including the National Water Resources Bill, further emphasize the importance of ensuring equitable access to water for all Nigerians.

In Gombe LGA, which is located in the northeastern region of Nigeria, the water crisis is exacerbated by infrastructural deficits, poor governance, droughts, and population growth. While the Gombe State Government and various development partners have made efforts to improve water supply systems, many communities in Gombe LGA continue to face challenges in accessing safe and clean water (Adebayo & Yusuf, 2024). In rural areas, where most people rely on underground wells, streams, and other informal sources, the quality of water remains questionable, leading to issues such as waterborne diseases and poor sanitation (Bello & Ibrahim, 2023).

Despite various constitutional and legal frameworks aiming to guarantee the right to clean water, poor implementation, lack of accountability mechanisms, and weak institutional oversight continue to hinder progress in addressing the water needs of communities in Gombe LGA (Usman & Adamu, 2024). This study seeks to evaluate the impact of constitutional law and governance structures on access to clean water in Gombe, with a focus on the roles of government agencies and local governance in providing water for public use.

1.2 Statement of the Problem

Access to clean water remains a major challenge in Gombe LGA, despite legal provisions and policies designed to ensure the right to water for all Nigerians. Although the 1999 Constitution and National Water Policy stipulate access to clean water as a fundamental right, many communities in Gombe face inadequate water supply infrastructure, poor quality water, and limited access to sanitation services. This problem is compounded by inefficiencies in governance, lack of coordination among relevant government agencies, and insufficient funding for water projects.

The lack of adequate enforcement of the constitutional guarantees regarding access to clean water is a critical issue, as communities often resort to unsafe water sources that expose them to waterborne diseases, such as cholera and dysentery (Adebayo & Salisu, 2024). Despite the availability of national frameworks and legal commitments, gaps in local-level implementation continue to hinder the achievement of universal access to clean water. This study seeks to explore the factors contributing to the lack of access to clean water in Gombe LGA and evaluate the extent to which constitutional law can effectively address this challenge.

1.3 Objectives of the Study

  1. To assess the constitutional provisions and legal frameworks governing access to clean water in Nigeria, with a focus on Gombe LGA.

  2. To evaluate the effectiveness of water policies and governance structures in ensuring access to clean water in Gombe LGA.

  3. To identify the challenges faced by local communities in Gombe LGA in accessing clean water and propose recommendations for improvement.

1.4 Research Questions

  1. How do constitutional and legal frameworks in Nigeria address access to clean water, and how are they implemented in Gombe LGA?

  2. What are the challenges faced by the government and local authorities in providing clean water to communities in Gombe LGA?

  3. How can constitutional law and governance structures be strengthened to improve access to clean water in Gombe LGA?

1.5 Research Hypotheses

  1. Constitutional and legal frameworks regarding access to clean water are inadequately implemented in Gombe LGA.

  2. Governance challenges, including corruption and lack of funding, significantly hinder access to clean water in Gombe LGA.

  3. Strengthening legal frameworks and governance structures will significantly improve access to clean water in Gombe LGA.

1.6 Significance of the Study

This study is significant because it evaluates the effectiveness of constitutional law and legal frameworks in addressing the water crisis in Gombe LGA. The research findings will offer insights into the role of governance in ensuring the right to clean water for citizens, with a focus on the challenges and opportunities within the local context. By identifying the gaps in policy implementation and institutional inefficiencies, the study will provide valuable recommendations for policymakers, government agencies, and NGOs working on water and sanitation projects in Nigeria.

Moreover, the study will contribute to the ongoing discourse on human rights and sustainable development, advocating for stronger legal enforcement and enhanced community engagement in water governance. The research will serve as a resource for future academic work on water law and policy and will contribute to efforts aimed at achieving the Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 6 of ensuring clean water and sanitation for all.

1.7 Scope and Limitations of the Study

This study focuses on Gombe Local Government Area, Gombe State, and examines the constitutional and legal frameworks governing access to clean water. It evaluates the implementation of these frameworks by local government authorities, relevant agencies, and the challenges hindering access to clean water.

One limitation of the study is the difficulty in accessing comprehensive data on water supply systems and government performance due to issues related to record-keeping, bureaucratic challenges, and the lack of public transparency in some government agencies. Additionally, the costs of infrastructure projects and technical limitations may affect the scope of field research.

1.8 Operational Definition of Terms

  1. Clean Water: Water that is free from harmful chemicals, pollutants, and pathogens, suitable for drinking and domestic use.

  2. Constitutional Law: The body of law that governs the fundamental rights and duties of citizens, particularly in relation to access to basic services such as water.

  3. Water Governance: The management of water resources, including policies, institutions, and processes that ensure equitable and sustainable access to water.

  4. National Water Policy: A national framework that outlines strategies and policies for ensuring universal access to clean water and sanitation across Nigeria.

  5. Waterborne Diseases: Illnesses caused by consuming contaminated water, including cholera, typhoid, and dysentery.





Related Project Materials

Share this page with your friends




whatsapp