Agboluaje Layout Residents Cry Out Over Suspected Groundwater Pollution
Residents of Number 16 Agboluaje Layout, Olorunshogo, in Ona Ara Local Government Area of Oyo State, have raised concerns over the alleged contamination of wells and boreholes in their community, calling on the government to urgently investigate the situation and provide relief to affected households.
The residents alleged that water sources serving several homes in the area became polluted following suspected activities linked to a nearby MRS filling station, leaving many families without access to safe drinking water.
Speaking with Dominion News during a visit to the community, some of the affected residents, including Mrs Rashidat Aminu and Mr Olayinka Aminu, said they first observed unusual changes in the colour, smell and taste of water from their wells and boreholes months ago.
According to them, the development has disrupted daily life in the community, as residents now depend on alternative water sources for cooking, drinking and other domestic purposes.
They expressed fears that continued use of the affected water could expose residents to serious health challenges if urgent intervention is not provided.
One of the residents said the community had exhausted efforts to address the matter independently before deciding to seek the intervention of relevant government agencies.
“We have been managing the situation for months. Many families can no longer use their wells and boreholes because of the strange smell and appearance of the water. We want the government to help us determine the cause and find a lasting solution,” the resident said.
The residents disclosed that the matter was reported to the Oyo State Ministry of Environment, whose officials reportedly visited the area to inspect the affected locations and carry out preliminary investigations.
However, they noted that they were still awaiting the outcome of the ministry’s findings and recommendations.
They appealed to the Oyo State Government, environmental regulators and public health authorities to accelerate investigations into the matter in order to prevent a possible public health emergency.
Responding to the allegations, the Manager of MRS Filling Station, Mr Segun Adenuga, said the company had taken the complaints seriously and had cooperated with environmental officials investigating the matter.
Adenuga explained that officials of the Ministry of Environment had visited the filling station and conducted tests on the facility’s underground tanks to ascertain whether there was any leakage capable of affecting nearby groundwater sources.
He stated that the company was awaiting the outcome of the investigation and would abide by any recommendations made by the relevant authorities.
As concerns continue to mount among residents, community members have urged the government to publicly release the results of any environmental assessment conducted in the area and ensure that those found responsible for any contamination are held accountable.
The residents maintained that access to clean and safe water remains a fundamental necessity and called for immediate action to safeguard the health and wellbeing of people living in the community.