Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has revealed that the government has set a target to ensure a cleaner society with the provision of potable water to residents.
Sanwo-Olu, who was represented by deputy governor, Obafemi Hamzat, said this at the recent Fourth Lagos International Water Conference (LIWAC) with the theme: ‘Accelerating Sanitation and Hygiene in a Mega City: Regulation and Innovation 2023’.
He said a hygienic society could be achieved through innovation driven by technology and a well-designed framework that encourages private sector participation.
“The provision of easy access to safe water and hygiene is a fundamental human right and it falls within the welfare policy for the state.
“Therefore, we are committed to improving access to clean water and sanitation on four initiatives which include; the provision of public toilets and bathrooms in each local council; construction of community wastewater treatment plants, developing integrated waste management system; and expanding and protecting water sources to improve the city’s water supply,” he said.
Sanwo-Olu stressed that the megacity status of the state and the pace at which the population was growing underscored the urgent need to promote and facilitate efficiency in the water sector as well as guaranteeing its financial viability.
The governor noted that since the inception of LIWAC in 2020, his administration had sought to reposition water governance and regulatory dispensation in the state in a bid to improve water security and investment opportunities.
Also, the Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Water Resources, Mrs Didi Walson-Jack, noted that water, sanitation and hygiene are essential pillars for any community’s overall wellbeing and development.
She noted that concerted efforts must be made to address the challenges posed by the increasing demand for clean water and proper sanitation infrastructure.
She, therefore, called for partnerships, collaboration and knowledge sharing among stakeholders. She added that this was vital in overcoming safe water, sanitation and hygiene challenges.
“We are committed to supporting initiatives that promote sustainable water management, sanitation and hygiene in Lagos and beyond. We must ensure that vulnerable populations, marginalised communities and underserved areas are not left behind. This can be achieved by emphasising equality, accessibility and affordability,” she said.
Earlier, the Executive Secretary, Lagos State Water Regulatory Commission (LASWARCO), Mrs. Funke Adepoju, said the conference was part of a conscious effort by the government to address challenges confronting the water sector.
“We suggest solutions to effective sanitation management, and attract investments into the sector with its diverse economic possibilities,” she said.
Adepoju stressed that access to improved sanitation and hygiene is critical to health, economic growth, human rights, public health and the environment.
