Africville lacked many of the services expected in any community in the twentieth century. There was no sewage system, poor roads and an inadequate water supply. As late as the 1960s, people had to carry their water from communal wells, and there was always the danger of disease from contaminated water. Signs were posted warning inhabitants to boil the water before using it to drink or for cooking. The lack of adequate facilities, such as water and sewage, was a factor in the decision to relocate the Africville residents.
