Assessment of Inequality in the Distribution of Water Facilities in Lapai, Nigeria

Abstract Rapid urban growth and expansion pose daunting challenges in urban areas of the developing world. These challenges include the provision and equitable distribution of sustainable public water supply facilities. This study therefore aimed at assessing the extent of spatial inequality in the distribution of water facilities provision among major segments in Lapai urban centre, Nigeria to aid policy formulation and framework in achieving sustainable water supply. This study utilizes the Gini coefficient composite statistical tool to examine the distribution inequality of three main sources of public water facilities in the study area, which includes; hand pump boreholes, motorised boreholes, and wells. The study area is divided into four quadrants (quadrants A, B, C, and D). It was found out that 17.31%, 21.15%, and 37.50% Gini coefficients were recorded for hand pump boreholes, motorised boreholes, and well facilities. This indicates that there is inequality in the distribution of public water supply facilities among the four quadrants in the study area. It was therefore recommended that both the public and private sectors should provide public water facilities equitably to achieve Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).