• Government restates commitment to viable water sector
The Lagos State Government has, Thursday, reiterated its commitment to a viable water sector critical to economic growth as well as the wellbeing and prosperity of the people.
The Executive Secretary, Lagos State Water Regulatory Commission (LSWRC), Mrs. Funke Adepoju stated this in her remarks at the two-day stakeholders’ workshop for table and sachet water producers, drillers, and water tanker operators in the state held at Alausa, Ikeja.
She said that the state government is keen on a water sector that not only takes care of the needs of the current residents, but also of future inhabitants as well.
“To this end, we take very seriously the imbalance between supply and demand for freshwater resources, as well as water quality issues.
“We recognise that uncontaminated fresh water is needed for safe drinking. We also intend to ensure hygiene and food safety standards to guarantee human health.”
According to Adepoju, water underpins many of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) particularly SDG 6 “which seeks to ensure availability and sustainable management of water and sanitation for all”.
While noting that the workshop was convened for stakeholders to discuss issues surrounding water production, distribution and consumption, the Executive Secretary expressed optimism that deliberations will birth a shared understanding to collectively move the sector forward for the good of the people of Lagos.
Adepoju said, “We must strengthen our processes and systems to ensure they are in tandem with best practices because we do not have time in our hands. We must act to ensure a resilient water sector in Lagos.”
She hinted that population growth, rising incomes and urbanisation is leading to water scarcity and also resulting in increased water demand from industry, energy and services as well as dietary changes, resulting in a reduction of available freshwater per person in the State.
The workshop themed: “Suitable Water Supply in Lagos: Strengthening the Chain”, was aimed at strengthening the various nodes across the Lagos State water supply chain.
Papers were delivered at the workshop by Prof. (Mrs.) Olayinka Asekun of the Chemistry Department, University of Lagos; Fagboyo Fakayode, Deputy Director, NAFDAC; Olawoyin Olayemi, Water Quality Assurance Manager, C-Way and Mrs. Clementina Ativie, National President, Association for Table Water Production of Nigeria (ATWPN).
