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WaterAid Nigeria has highlighted its achievements in Lagos State, emphasising its efforts in improving water supply, sanitation, and hygiene services across various communities.
Speaking on WaterAid’s impact during a media roundtable at the Ministry of the Environment and Water Resources, Alausa Secretariat, Ikeja, Lagos on Friday, Dr. Adebayo Alao, Head, Lagos Programme of the organisation, stated:
“We have supported the technical assessment of several dysfunctional waterworks to enhance urban water supply. This has led to the rehabilitation of Akilo Water Works, a project costing N800m.”
Continuing on the interventions of the organisaton in Nigeria’s most populous state, Alao said, “Additionally, we have supported the construction and rehabilitation of water schemes in communities in Ojodu and Ikorodu North Local Council Development Areas (LCDAs) to the tune of about N400m.”
He further disclosed that the organisation has invested over N500m between 2022 and 2024 in the construction of water and sanitation facilities in schools and primary healthcare centers across Ojodu, Ikorodu North, Ijegun, Igando, and Orile Agege.
“We have carried out hygiene and water safety campaigns in 57 communities to promote healthy living and prevent cholera outbreaks. We also distributed aqua taps and other water purification materials,” Alao revealed.
Looking ahead, he noted that WaterAid Nigeria is conducting technical assessments of three additional waterworks in Ikorodu, Iwaya, and Ojokoro areas of the state.
“Before the end of May, we expect to complete a comprehensive technical assessment. We hope to include these projects in procurement, similar to what we are doing in Akilo, once our donors finalize financial support,” he said.
Additionally, Alao highlighted WaterAid’s support for the review of the approved Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) Policy for Lagos State, as well as capacity-building initiatives for the Lagos State Water Regulatory Commission.
“We facilitated a learning visit to Zambia’s NWASCO Commission in February 2022 to enhance regulatory effectiveness in the WASH sector,” he added.
Lagos State’s Efforts to End Open Defecation
WaterAid Nigeria has also over the years invested in behavioral change in the area of hand washing, providing hand washing stations in schools and Public Health Centers as well as providing toilet facilities to contribute to ending open defecation in Lagos State.
Addressing the state’s commitment to tackling open defecation, Dr. Omobolaji Gaji, Permanent Secretary, Office of Environmental Services in the Ministry of the Environment and Water Resources, identified areas most affected by open defecation, including Berger area of the state, a community connecting the state with neighbouring Ogun State.
“We are now focusing on constructing better toilets in these locations. The issue is largely behavioral—people who don’t have homes in Lagos tend to defecate in open spaces. It’s about changing mindsets; when people see proper infrastructure, they should behave appropriately,” Gaji stated.
He however recommended community services as punitive measures for offenders when the public toilets are in place.
Similarly, Engr. Mahamood Adegbite, Permanent Secretary, Office of Drainage Services and Water Resources in the same Ministry of the Environment and Water Resources, revealed that the state government is intensifying efforts to curb open defecation.
“Plans are in top gear to end open defecation in Lagos, with over twenty-five public toilets set to be inaugurated before the end of this year,” he said.
Call for Media Collaboration
Head of Advocacy and Communications at WaterAid Nigeria, Mr. Kolawole Banwo, called on the media to partner with the organisation in showcasing its impact.
“We need more visibility from the media. We urge the fourth estate of the realm to partner with WaterAid Nigeria in reporting our activities as we invest heavily in intervention projects,” he said believing that, “This will help more people gain access to safe water, sanitation, and hygienic environments, particularly in Primary Health Centers in Lagos State”.
WaterAid’s continued interventions align with efforts to improve water supply and sanitation in Lagos State, ensuring healthier living conditions for residents.
*Report by Dayo Emmanuel
