NAIJA PALAVER

In a country like Nigeria, electricity and water is like one of the three basic needs of a human being.
Electricity as we all know is a big problem we are still fighting today, before generators became a basic need in homes, kerosene lanterns and candles were always in abundance. Candles and matchboxes kept in packets in preparation for the inevitable blackout. "Tapping light" was also no big deal, a wire connecting from an apartment with electricity to another apartment with no source of power was all that was required. Years later, light situation got worse and generators came to stay, from the small "i pass my neighbor" generator to generators of bigger and higher capacities, and if you have a bigger house with money to spare, a power plant is right for you.
The need for electricity has increased so much, some people even have two generators ( one for day and one for night). "UP NEPA" is also added to a toddler's early learning experience. As of now, inverters are reigning supreme, imagine, extra power for when "PHCN" and the generators are not enough. And with our humid weather, electricity to rotate your fan for breeze is necessary. That feeling when one is watching something interesting or ironing, charging your phones, enjoying the cool breeze from your fan or A.C and then.... Viam!! Just like that everything is off, the sigh of "Ah, NEPA" comes after with a hiss to follow or the way round. In less than a minute, the whole neighborhood is roaring. In smaller towns everywhere stays dark, blank and quiet.
Clean water is another interesting need in the lives of Nigerians, humans in general. Electricity goes out and people find an alternative to the problem but without water, u practically can't do anything. Whether it's to cook, clean, bath, drink, wash or even brush your teeth. The "ultimate search" for water begins. In areas where "mai ruwa"(water sellers) are prominent, they are gods for the time being. People hustle to get them and some go as far as taking down their numbers and putting them on speed dial. As soon as water is available, every bowl, bucket, basin, jerrycan and drum is filled to the brim. Water management skills come to play especially when its hard getting it. As for certain areas where people pay to fetch water, blows are sometimes exchanged, clothes torn, buckets broken when the queue is disrupted.
Fela wasn't joking when he said "water, e no get enemy". Water and electricity are both different in functionality but are also needed together for cities to function the way they should especially in our country Naija.

Bebaibee