In the bustling shantytowns of Cotonou, the quest for clean drinking water remains a pressing challenge. Recent research conducted by Espérance Olive Hounsounou, published in the journal ‘VertigO’, sheds light on the intricate and often perilous water supply chain in the sixth arrondissement of this vibrant city. The study reveals alarming insights into how water is collected, transported, and stored, ultimately raising concerns about public health and sanitation.
The findings indicate that a staggering 91.6% of respondents in the study rely on the public water distribution network operated by the Société Nationale des Eaux du Bénin (SONEB). However, the lack of adequate resources often forces households to adopt makeshift methods for water collection. Hounsounou notes, “Water is taken to the faucet or to the barrels without coverage, creating a direct path for contamination.” This lack of proper containment during transport is particularly troubling, with 68.9% of transport containers uncovered, exposing the water to potential pollutants.
Storage practices also reveal significant risks. While 89.5% of households use covered storage containers, the types of containers vary widely in cleanliness. Hounsounou’s research shows that plastic seals are the most commonly cleaned containers (70.0%), compared to basins (2.1%), cans (20.5%), and jars (1.6%). This inconsistency in hygiene practices heightens the risk of waterborne diseases, which are already a concern in these densely populated areas.
The implications of this research extend beyond public health. As urban populations grow and demand for clean water increases, the findings highlight the urgent need for improved infrastructure and sanitation solutions. Water, sanitation, and drainage companies could see significant commercial opportunities in addressing these gaps. By investing in better storage solutions and transportation methods, they can not only enhance public health outcomes but also tap into a market that is ripe for innovation.
Hounsounou’s work serves as a clarion call for stakeholders in the water sector to reassess their strategies. “The various handlings of water constitute as many potential factors of its contamination and waterborne diseases,” she emphasizes, urging for a collaborative approach to tackle these challenges. As cities like Cotonou continue to expand, the lessons learned from this research could inform future developments in water management and sanitation practices.
For those interested in delving deeper into Hounsounou’s findings, the full article is available in ‘VertigO’, a journal dedicated to environmental issues. This research not only highlights the critical state of water access in shantytowns but also serves as a guide for future innovations that could transform the water landscape in urban settings. For more information about the lead author, you can visit lead_author_affiliation.
