Self-supply as a traditional model for the improvement of water supply in Onitsha, Nigeria

In the absence of conventional water supply system in Onitsha, Nigeria, self-supply model, which is a traditional method of water supply has become relevant as a replacement option. This paper examined the progress made in water supply in 5 years (2011 – 2015) in Okpoko Low Income Settlement of Onitsha. To achieve this aim, a questionnaire were designed and distributed to 6,024 households and other stakeholders between January and December 2015. Data achieved were analysed with simple statistical methods. The result shows an improvement in the condition of wells, new mode of well operation adopted reduced the level of water pollution, as well as the quantity of water supply which showed an increase. Challenges faced by the operators of the model in the study area, as well as lesson learnt were outlined and discussed.