Lagos to intensify water sector reforms to seize opportunities – Sanwo-Olu – EnviroNews

Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu says his administration is committed to intensifying reforms for a sustainable water sector for residents.

Sanwo-Olu made this commitment on Wednesday, July 10, 2024 during the official launch and signing of the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) of the Lagos Water Partnership with the Resilient Water Accelerator in Lagos.

The Governor was represented at the event by Mrs Bimbola Salu-Hundeyin, Secretary to the State Government.

Sanwo-Olu said Lagos can provide maximum value and opportunities from its water resources.

The Governor noted that around the world, the water resources sector is grappling with challenges stemming from the impact of climate change.

He added that despite the challenges, Lagos is committed to becoming a water safe city that guarantees access to clean water to all residents.

“Our activities include modernising water infrastructure, removing blockages in wetlands and canals to reduce the risk of flooding.

“We are increasing the resilience of our coastal communities to the impacts of climate change,” Sanwo-Olu said.

According to him, the state needs significant investments to achieve the set goals.

He added that the private sector plays a key role in complementing the efforts of the public sector in ensuring that Lagos residents have a sound water supply solution.

Sanwo-Olu explained that the establishment of the Lagos Water Partnership came at the right time.

He noted that the platform will play a pioneering role in developing and implementing an investment vision for water security in Lagos.

He added that the platform will unite key public and private stakeholders to collaboratively plan, analyze and drive progress.

According to him, the partnership aims to build evidence-based, targeted capacity development and establish systems to attract large-scale investment.

He added that the partnership will provide a consultative platform connecting private sector entities with the government and policy makers.

The Commissioner for Environment and Water Resources, Mr. Tokunbo Wahab, earlier in his speech said the sector remains at the forefront of the Lagos State Government’s investment and development efforts.

Tokunbo said Lagos was an example of the strategic approach.

He noted that city governments around the world often face resource constraints that make it difficult to meet urban needs, form partnerships, collaborations and alliances to raise funds and deliver key urban services.

He added that the said innovative initiative has attracted the Resilient Water Accelerator which is currently working with the ministry to establish the Lagos Water Partnership.

He stressed that the Lagos Water Partnership fits perfectly with the vision of the Lagos Government, which aims to use partnerships to improve environmental and water resource management.

Wahab stressed that the Lagos Water Partnership aims to create and implement a sound sector investment environment.

“This can be achieved by directing private investment to complement public resources and bringing together key stakeholders from both sectors,” he said.

He noted that the ministry will continue to create an environment conducive to attracting partners and building strategic alliances.

By Fabian Ekeruche

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