The extension of the lockdown(covid-19) by the federal government has been embraced with mixed reactions.
While some Nigerians believe this is ideal,given the proliferation of the cases, others think this is a push to the darkest part of the forest.
The low income earners have had to bear the brunt,for the past two weeks and now with an extension,many say volatility is imminent,as some Nigerians seem to have been stretched beyond their limit of elasticity.
The issues of accessible water, decent housing and hike in prices are still staring us in the face, as the atmosphere gets more cloudy.
So much dirt in the pot of soup, how do we take off this mess and maintain decorum in the midst of the deafening storm?.
Water is unarguably an essential,in every given society,it’s disheartening that about 60 million Nigerians, do not have access to clean water. Clean drinkable water is a luxury,in some parts of Nigeria, where the people literally scramble to get water,even from caves, dirty wells,streams and so on.
When this is the case, people are not only susceptible to this monstrous virus, but also spread it generously to the larger society.
Washing of the hands is one of the safety precautions of the corona virus, however,this is not feasible for persons who live in such places where water is goldmine.
How do you tell a man who after so much fight,manages to get a bucket of water,which he plans to use to shower and cook, to start using it to wash his hands on intervals? He won’t even pay any attention to you,if you go any closer, he would throw stones at you.
These are the vulnerables in our society,their vulnerability is more pronounced now than ever.
Another defining factor of any society,is the housing system,even the blind man can see that the corona virus pandemic re-emphasizes the pivotal role that housing plays in our society and the well being of individuals,as they stay at home.
So many Nigerians live in tenements(face me- I face you) houses which are bereaved of spaces and ventilation,the toilets of such buildings are not only disgusting, but disease-friendly.
In some cases the number of people who live in one room can be earthquaking,thereby undermining the social distance rule, allowing the virus to proudly spread it’s wings and perch.
On another level,residents of poorly conditioned houses especially in slums, is another bitter pill in the mouth, some Nigerians live in self-set up kiosks, called houses, in impoverished areas.
Picture the badly littered grounds, with nylons and other ancient materials that look like our forefathers forgot them there while leaving the earth,the smell that oozes from the rooms, as though in a morgue,excreta and ceaseless out pour of urine like river Niger.
This is the reality of many Nigerians and you would agree,that this alone, can make residents, to become boundless conductors of unlimited diseases.
Coupled with the inaccessibility of water, to this category of people,the effect is better imagined than said.
All of these, are indeed worrisome,given the on-going fight against the covid-19.
Yet another ugly situation, taunting Nigeria,this covid-era is the hike in the prices of goods.
A paint of “garri” is now around #1500, pastas over #200 per pack, rice is a “no go area”,noodles and others foodstuffs are now hot cake.
Nigerians lament over the increase in prices of commodity at this trying time,while appealing to traders to be considerate and humane.
While some traders claim they are also helpless, as apparently there’s limited stock, due to the border lock down/state lockdown, making it impossible for supply to meet up with the demand, which has risen drastically.
The government should aptly play their roles, in looking into all of these painstakingly, to cushion the effect of this new development, of another two weeks at home.
As a lot of Nigerians fear for their lives, not because of the corona virus, but because of the overwhelming situations staring everyone straight in the eyes.
By Peace Anyanwu-Ogedengbe
