Governor Sanwo-Olu had reaffirmed his commitment to completing the 70-million-gallon Adiyan water project within the next year.
This commitment was retraited at the Fifth Lagos International Water Conference which concluded today, leaving behind a trail of insights, commitments, and renewed hope for a water-secure Lagos.
The Two-day conference which began on Tuesday gathered stakeholders from various sectors at the Eko Hotel and Suites as Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s vision took center stage.
The ambitious project aims to improve water supply and distribution across the state. Its successful implementation could set a precedent for other infrastructure projects in Lagos.
The governor minced no words in expressing his dissatisfaction with the performance of the Lagos State Water Corporation. Despite international training programs, the corporation has struggled to translate theoretical knowledge into practical solutions for water management challenges.
“We have had several World Bank best trainers,” Sanwo-Olu stated. “They have been trained in the best institutions, but that has not translated into practical solutions for us. Water, as Fela once said, has no enemy, but it faces numerous challenges due to insincerity and lack of seriousness. We must all evaluate our roles and move beyond rhetoric to effective problem-solving.”
Prof. Joseph Utsev, the Minister for Water Resources and Sanitation, echoed the importance of PPPs. He commended Lagos State for its collaborations with countries like Denmark and the Netherlands.
These partnerships have led to increased investment in the water sector and have helped prevent health crises, such as the recent cholera outbreak in the state.
Participants discussed successful PPP models from other regions and explored ways to replicate them in Lagos.
The conference emphasized the need to tailor water management strategies to Lagos’s unique context. From water scarcity in densely populated areas to infrastructure gaps, local challenges require locally relevant solutions.
Researchers presented case studies on rainwater harvesting, community-led initiatives, and decentralized water treatment systems.
These approaches aim to complement centralized systems and enhance water availability. Participants discussed the project’s potential impact on water security, economic growth, and public health.
The conference served as a catalyst for ongoing dialogue. Participants pledged to continue sharing knowledge, collaborating, and monitoring progress beyond the conference.
Civil society organizations, academia, and private companies also expressed committed to working together to achieve a water-secure future for Lagos.
As the conference ended, the call for innovation and collaboration echoed through the hallways. Lagos faces significant water challenges, but with collective efforts and a commitment to practical solutions, a Greater Lagos can emerge—one where every citizen has access to clean, reliable water.
