One situation I believe every Nigerian has had an experience in, one way or the other, is lack of water and electricity. From the random faults developed by transformers, to the lack of water thereof, these problems aren’t so strange to the ears of anyone who’s lived in Nigeria for a long period of time.
There was this one time I was having a conversation with someone, and we both shared our happiness at how much the light in the environment has improved. We were glad because about three years ago, stable electricity was a novelty in the environment and now, things have changed. Actually, I think this is something many of us are now coming to terms with. The presence of light for about twenty hours a day.
Back as a child, the sound of this seemed like a luxury the power supply company weren’t equipped to afford. However, it’s become so normal to me now, that life without electricity, now feels different. Having become so accustomed to life with constant electricity and water, it feels wrong whenever there’s a power outage. I even find myself unmotivated to do the things I usually do, just because there’s no light or water.
If I woke up one morning, to find that electricity, water and gas were gone for a month, that might just become the most trying time I’ve ever experienced. I’ve lived days without gas, or having to cook. Those days, I simply survived on junks. However, a month without eating a properly cooked meal is what I can’t seem to imagine. The situation would even be more unbearable because I’m not the biggest fan of junks. I’ll choose a home-made meal anytime, any day.
Water is a necessity in our daily life. From drinking, to washing, to cleaning, we use water for everything. If drinking water is provided, then I think there’s a little chance I might scale through that situation successfully.
In the recess of my mind, while writing this, is a memory of my mom teasing me for rinsing my hand a lot while cooking. I love washing my hands at every opportunity I get, so the thought of not washing my hand for days, fills me with fear. Actually, I can’t even imagine what I’d feel, because the gravity of these type of situations rarely hit instantly. After all the preparations, the rush of adrenaline and everything, it’s after your first three days that the realization settles in. Then, you’ve gotten a taste of the situation, and you now know how grave it is. But you know what’s more painful? You’re just at the starting point.
I have no idea how the early cavemen survived such a life, but having tasted life with electricity, water, and gas, that’s going to be a very tough situation for me to scale through without falling sick from either dehydration, food poisoning or worse still, my own thoughts.
Thanks for reading.
Image above was taken by me.
