Assessing The Economic Cost of Public Water Supply Inequality Among Households in Makurdi, Nigeria

• Author(s): Saakuma Ortserga ; Felix K. Kwaghsende ; Timothy T. Gyuse
• Paper ID: 1711534
• Page: 1459-1466
• Published Date: 28-10-2025
• Published In: Iconic Research And Engineering Journals
• Publisher: IRE Journals
• e-ISSN: 2456-8880
• Volume/Issue: Volume 9 Issue 4 October-2025

Abstract

The challenge of access to safe and reliable public water supply by residents remains daunting in many Nigerian towns and cities due to population growth. A reduction in public water supply inequality contribute to health and economic well-being of urban residents. This study investigated the economic cost of public water supply inequality among households in Makurdi town, Nigeria with focus on how inequality of access to public water supply influences households’ expenditure and economic well-being of residents. The objective of the study is; to estimate the economic implications of not having access to public water supply, and recommend ways that can ameliorate the inequality and lead to safe and reliable public water supply for all residents. The study stratified Makurdi town into 23 neighborhoods, while the systematic sampling technique was used to select 399 household respondents across the neighborhoods. Structured questionnaire, and interview were used to collect data for the study. The Morenikeji modeling for calculating cost of land was adopted and modified to calculate the economic cost of alternative water supply in Makurdi town. Findings of the study revealed that majority of households respondents (67%) are poor, and households spent 37% of their monthly income accessing alternative water sources. This amount is high, unsustainable and above the stipulated 4%-15% charged by water utility service providers. The study concluded that, public water supply inequality affects the economic well-being of households in Makurdi town and it is a threat to poverty reduction, sustainable urban growth and development. The study recommended improved public water infrastructure investment, and a decentralized public water supply approach that is backed by a definite policy to enhance service delivery and minimize economic stress.

Keywords

Economic Cost, Public Water Supply, Water Supply Inequality, Household Expenditure, Makurdi, Nigeria And Urban Water Access

Citations

IRE Journals:
Saakuma Ortserga , Felix K. Kwaghsende , Timothy T. Gyuse "Assessing The Economic Cost of Public Water Supply Inequality Among Households in Makurdi, Nigeria" Iconic Research And Engineering Journals Volume 9 Issue 4 2025 Page 1459-1466

IEEE:
Saakuma Ortserga , Felix K. Kwaghsende , Timothy T. Gyuse "Assessing The Economic Cost of Public Water Supply Inequality Among Households in Makurdi, Nigeria" Iconic Research And Engineering Journals, 9(4)