The hydrogeology of the Oju/Obi area, eastern Nigeria: Adum West area data report

Oju is a remote part of south-eastern Nigeria that suffers from severe water shortage during the
annual dry season. From November to April, unprotected ponds, seepages and hollows are the
primary source of domestic water. Unfortunately, these sources become less reliable towards the end
of the dry season and many are contaminated. As a consequence, much of the population of Oju
(300 000 approx.) is badly affected by a variety of water related illnesses, of which guinea worm and
malaria are endemic; outbreaks of cholera, typhoid and dysentery are also common. In response,
DFID have commissioned WaterAid to provide improved village level, year round water sources,
primarily utilising the limited groundwater resources of the area.
Due to the complex hydrogeology, WaterAid have asked the British Geological Survey (BGS) to
assist with the project. BGS are applying the results of TDR projects undertaken within other parts
of the world to study these marginal groundwater resources.
The groundwater investigations by BGS started in September 1996. There are three main aims of the
research: (1) to assess the potential of the Oju area for sustainable groundwater supplies; (2) to
develop appropriate methods for siting wells or boreholes in the Oju environment; and (3) to
recommend appropriate methods and designs for exploiting groundwater. ,
This report forms one of a series of data reports designed to complement the summary assessment of
the hydrogeology of the Oju/Obi area and the Groundwater Development Map. The data presented
were collected on five separate trips, August-September 1996, November-December 1996, February-
March 1997, October-December 1997 and January-April 1998.