Sanwo-Olu Calls for Collaborative Efforts to Improve Water, Sanitation in Lagos State

The Executive Governor of Lagos State, Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu, has made an appeal to stakeholders and committed partners to help transform the narrative of water and sanitation in Lagos State.

Speaking at the fifth annual Lagos International Water Conference (LIWAC), held over two days at Eko Hotel, 25-26, 2024, the governor emphasised the critical need for real partnership and collective commitment to gather resources and learn the models to drive improvements in water and sanitation infrastructure.

Themed “Financing Water & Sanitation for a Greater Lagos,” the conference gathered key figures, Innovators, leaders, and changemakers including development partners from all over the world.

Governor Sanwo-Olu underscored the importance of water to the state government and its citizens, committing to the necessary actions to address the challenges in this sector.

“I’m hoping that the conversations in the conference will indeed birth the real convergence of ideas, opinions, and collaborative effort. Let us see that convergence and be able to improve the quality of life for our people,” Sanwo-Olu stated. He called for building genuine partnerships, identifying necessary resources, and honestly addressing the actions needed.

In light of the recent cholera outbreak in Lagos State, the governor highlighted the government’s proactive measures to control and mitigate the situation.

“We all talk about the cholera outbreak that we’ve seen in the last couple of weeks. We’ve seen it because of the proactive nature of this government. We transparently have a surveillance engagement where we can raise our voices early, enabling us to reduce an outbreak that could have been catastrophic.”

Governor Sanwo-Olu stressed the importance of moving from discussions to tangible actions. “We want to move away from talk and rhetorics and move to action. Let’s not make this conference a talk show where we exchange cards and emails and nothing happens until another year. It’s the fifth conference. I want to see outcomes and outputs,” he urged.

As the first day of the conference coincided with the governor’s birthday on June 25, attendees sang to celebrate the occasion. However, Governor Sanwo-Olu made a request:

“The best birthday present that I want today is not a song; it’s the fact that when we gather again for the water conference next year, the resources required to complete a 70 million gallon water treatment plant will be committed. This will change access to water and its availability.”

He called for real partners from the Federal Ministry of Environment, Minister for Water Resources and Sanitation, international development partners, and the private sector to join the state government in this mission.

“Let us leave this conference with the collective commitment and single-mindedness that in the next 12-18 months, we will change the old narrative and set a positive trajectory to build public facilities of about 100-150 within the next one to one and a half years.”

Governor Sanwo-Olu concluded by urging everyone to embody the change they wish to see, emphasising the need for collective and committed efforts to achieve the goals discussed during the conference.

 

Report by Blessing Osemobor