The Lagos State Government has assured residents of increased access to potable water by the ongoing investment in the mini and micro waterworks in the state.
The Special Adviser on the Environment, Mr. Olakunle Rotimi-Akodu, and the two Permanent Secretaries in the Ministry of Environment, Office of Environmental Services and Office of Drainage Services and Water Resources, Dr. Omobolaji Gaji and Engr. Mahamood Adegbite gave this assurance at an interactive session with the officials of Lagos WaterAid in Ikeja on the provision of clean and drinkable water in Lagos.
The trio assured that there would be remarkable increase in access to water in the entire state very soon.
According to them, there have been some interventions to address the issue of access to potable water, adding that presently, the state government is working on Iju and Adiyan waterworks projects to improve access.
They added that the state government will also improve water infrastructure to guarantee adequate supply.
They also spoke on the possibility of introducing tariffs to enable cost recovery and infrastructure maintenance, but the state government will collaborate with all stakeholders and the private sector to determine the best option.
It be recalled that the Lagos State government recently unveiled plans to complete the Adiyan Waterworks project in Iju by 2027.
The N5 billion initiative is expected to provide millions of residents with access to potable water.
The Commissioner for Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, had disclosed the project underscored the government’s commitment to addressing Lagos’ water supply challenges and ensuring sustainable solutions for its growing population.
The Adiyan II project, designed to produce 70 million gallons of water per day (MGD), commenced during the administration of former Governor Babatunde Fashola but has faced delays over the years. Both the Adiyan and Iju Waterworks were disconnected from the national grid due to an alleged outstanding debt of N53 million, reportedly owed by a previous administration.
Wahab said that the ongoing Adiyan project included the installation of a 1,600mm pipeline spanning 8.1 kilometres.
He also highlighted support from a donor agency and WaterAid for micro and mini waterworks to meet immediate needs.
Addressing the state’s commitment to tackling open defecation, Dr. Omobolaji Gaji, said the state government would be constructing public toilets before the end of this year to end the menace.
He identified Berger, a community connecting the state with neighbouring Ogun State, as one of the areas mostly affected by open defecation.
He said: “We are now focusing on constructing better toilets in these locations. The issue is largely behavioral, people who don’t have homes in Lagos tend to defecate in open spaces. It’s about changing mindsets; when people see proper infrastructure, they should behave appropriately.”
He however recommended community services as punitive measures for offenders when the public toilets are in place.
Similarly, Mahamood Adegbite, revealed that the state government is intensifying efforts to curb open defecation.
“Plans are in top gear to end open defecation in Lagos, with over twenty-five public toilets set to be inaugurated before the end of this year,” he said.
WaterAid Nigeria, led by the Head of Lagos Programme, Dr. Adebayo Alao, seized the occasion to highlight the organisation’s achievements in Lagos.
He emphasised its efforts in improving water supply, sanitation, and hygiene services across various communities.
“We have supported the technical assessment of several dysfunctional waterworks to enhance urban water supply. This has led to the rehabilitation of Akilo Water Works, a project costing N800bn,” he said.
Continuing, Alao said, “Additionally, we have supported the construction and rehabilitation of water schemes in communities in Ojodu and Ikorodu North Local Council Development Areas (LCDAs) to the tune of about N400m.”
He further disclosed that the organisation has invested over N500m between 2022 and 2024 in the construction of water and sanitation facilities in schools and primary healthcare centers across Ojodu, Ikorodu North, Ijegun, Igando, and Orile Agege.
“We have carried out hygiene and water safety campaigns in 57 communities to promote healthy living and prevent cholera outbreaks.
We also distributed aqua taps and other water purification materials,” Alao said.
Looking ahead, he noted that WaterAid Nigeria is conducting technical assessments of three additional waterworks in Ikorodu, Iwaya, and Ojokoro areas of the state.
“Before the end of May, we expect to complete a comprehensive technical assessment. We hope to include these projects in procurement, similar to what we are doing in Akilo, once our donors finalise financial support,” he said.
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