Journal of Emerging Trends in Engineering and Applied Sciences: Research Areas

Article Title: Appraisal of Domestic Water Conservation in the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja - Nigeria
by Abenu, Abigail, Acinwu, Ezekiel Ripiye and Alfa-Yusufu, Funmilayo

Abstract:
The fast rate of population growth and increased urbanisation has exacerbated the domestic water supply problem in the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja; the administrative capital of Nigeria. The provision of water infrastructure has been unable to match the increasing water demand. This study examines domestic water conservation practices and the barriers inhibiting conservation practices among residents of the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja. A questionnaire survey involving 649 respondents was conducted in the study area. Results from the survey indicate that more than 40% of the respondents consider water adequacy as a problem in the Area Council where they reside and in the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja. The findings on conservation practice show about 70% of respondents say they turn off the public tap whenever they see water dripping from them unattended, more than 50% admit to being agents of water conservation advocacy in their communities and more than 40% consider water-saving appliances when they make purchases of domestic appliances. The findings highlight the inhibitors to water conservation in the study area, which include a poor grasp of sustainability principles and cultural beliefs that promotes the idea of inexhaustible water resources; lifestyles that do not promote conservation; and the inclination to only conserve water when it in short supply or when the price of water rises. Greater public enlightenment that counters cultural beliefs that are anti-conservation is recommended; in addition, residents of the Federal Capital Territory should be made to understand their roles in water conservation and embrace sustainable wateruse.

Keywords: Cultural Beliefs, Public Enlightenment, Sustainable Wateruse, Water Conservation, Water Supply

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