However, if the assurance made by the Commissioner for the Environment, Mr. Babatunde Durosinmi-Etti, is anything to rely upon, one would then conclude that better days are ahead as far as water supply in the Lagos metropolis and suburbs are concerned.
The Commissioner, while restating the commitment of the current administration to the provision of amenities and infrastructure, said the government is more determined to provide sustainable water demand of the people.
“The Administration of Mr. Aknwunmi Ambode, had rapidly increased access to safe drinking water by adding 10 MGD (Million Gallons per Day) to bring water supply to 220MGD.
“This major boost in water supply was achieved through the massive investment in water infrastructure, capacity enhancement of existing waterworks and building of new ones”, he said.
He also said that government had completed the rehabilitation of 48 Mini-Waterworks in different parts of the Lagos, including Ikeja, Surulere, Onikan, Epe, Ikorodu, Dolphin, Ajangbadi, Victoria Island, VI Annex, Lekki, Ikoyi, Ojo, Igando, Badore, Ikate, Apapa, Coker Aguda, Magodo, Meiran, Isheri Osun, Alexandra, Eredo, Somolu, Ojokoro, and Iwaya.
“This is in addition to the rehabilitation of the major waterworks of Iju and Adiyan Phase I with 45 MGD and 70 MGD capacity respectively, as well as the ongoing construction of the 70MGD Adiyan Water Treatment Plant Phase II to produce and supply water at their optimal capacities.
Others are the four MGD Ishasi waterworks, the two MGD Imeke Iworo waterworks both of which will serve the corridors of Mile 2, Owode, Barracks, Alaba International, Old Ojo Road, Ajangbadi, parts of Badagry and adjoining communities”, he said.
He said that to achieve greater efficiency and management of water supply, government had deployed the required technology and administrative measures, among which were: the installation of 13,800 pre-paid meters to ensure accurate billing in some parts of Lagos State such as Lekki, Victoria Island, Surulere, Itire, Iwaya, Ikeja and so on.
“Besides, the procurement of leak-detection equipment for network intelligence and distribution teams to minimise water wastages and forestall leakages, and the refurbishment of generating sets as well as the installation of a 33KV panel and accessories at Akute Intake Pumping Station to serve as an alternative power supply.
“To keep track of all water facilities spread widely across the State, the Administration of Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode has introduced Asset Management Plan as well as Geographic Information System(GIS) to enable us locate, track, maintain and replace key fixed assets”, he added.
and then