By Abbas Nazil
The Lagos State Government has issued a serious warning to residents of the Lekki peninsula, alerting them to the potential health risks posed by consuming borehole water that may be contaminated with faecal matter.
This warning was delivered by Mahmood Adegbite, the Permanent Secretary in the Office of Drainage Services and Water Resources, during a recent stakeholders meeting where he described the situation as a public health emergency requiring immediate action.
Adegbite stated that many residents who rely on boreholes for drinking water are potentially consuming what he bluntly called “shit water,” due to untreated wastewater seeping into underground water sources.
He emphasized the critical need for proper wastewater treatment systems to prevent the spread of waterborne diseases in Lekki and other areas of Lagos that depend on borehole water.
According to Adegbite, the state government has plans in place to treat all wastewater within the Lekki axis, and if executed effectively, these measures could eliminate the health risks currently associated with the area’s groundwater.
He said wastewater treatment is not just an environmental priority but a fundamental component of disease prevention and public health protection.
The warning comes amid escalating concerns from residents over recurring floods and the poor quality of water in the area.
Lekki, a high-density residential and commercial zone in Lagos, has long struggled with infrastructural challenges such as poor drainage systems and frequent flash floods, especially during the rainy season.
Adegbite admitted that while the government has invested significantly in flood control and infrastructure, current efforts are not yet sufficient to solve the widespread issues.
He acknowledged the limitations of past interventions and stressed that much more still needs to be done to tackle flooding and water contamination comprehensively.
His statement followed recent torrential rains that have led to increased flooding in several parts of Lagos, including Lekki, prompting authorities to warn residents of more rain and possible flash floods in the coming days.
Contaminated water sources, exacerbated by flooding, pose a dual threat to public health by not only increasing waterborne diseases but also limiting access to safe drinking water.
The state’s call for caution is part of a broader effort to improve water safety, sanitation, and public health in a megacity where rapid urbanization often outpaces infrastructure development.
Residents are being urged to test their borehole water regularly and invest in proper filtration systems until the state’s water treatment solutions are fully implemented.
In the meantime, Lagosians are left to confront the stark reality that even water drawn from their own compounds may no longer be safe for consumption.