The Lagos State Government is collaborating with the US Agency for International Development (USAID) in the improvement of water management and sanitation services as they have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to improve access to safe water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) services.
At the signing ceremony, the Lagos State Commissioner for Energy and Mineral Resources, Mr Olalere Odusote, who is also the Chairman of the Ad-hoc “Lagos State Water Corporation – ExCo Strategic Review Committee”, said the MoU will ultimately enhance urban water service delivery in Lagos State, through infrastructure improvement, accountability, strengthened regulatory oversight of the Lagos State Water Regulatory Commission, as well as governance, financial and technical capabilities of public and private sector stakeholders.
What the Lagos State Commissioner for Energy and Mineral Resources is saying
Odusote, who represented the state government at the MoU signing ceremony, noted that the collaboration with USAID will kick-start the implementation plan of the Lagos State Government for improved access to affordable, clean potable water.
The Commissioner said, “Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu is excited by this collaborative partnership with USAID and hopes that this event will serve as a catalyst for the productive and sustainable growth of water and sanitation in Lagos State.’’
He maintained that water and sanitation are critical elements in public health, just as they are significant in bolstering sustainable development and economic growth.
The Commissioner stated that one of the priorities of the Lagos State Government is to improve access to water and sanitation for the populace with the provision of an additional 125 MGD to meet the goal of SDG 6 – access to water and sanitation for all.
What the USAID Director is saying
Also speaking at the event, USAID Economic Growth and the Environment Office Director, Mr. Colin Dreizin said, “This is an important step in ensuring that citizens can trust that their local water providers are safeguarding their health.
“Our partnership with the Lagos State government will spur efforts to make clean water more accessible and affordable, especially in low-income communities.’’
Dreizin disclosed that Lagos is the latest Nigerian State to receive water and sanitation assistance from the United States of America under its flagship Effective Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (E-WASH) activity.
The U.S. government, through USAID, is investing over $67 million to foster closer coordination with Federal and State government agencies to advance broad-based economic growth and resilience in Nigeria through improved WASH services.
What you should know
The current administration of the Lagos State Government has been at the forefront of the provision of clean drinking water across the state.
The Lagos State Water Regulatory Commission (LASWARCO), had at various occasions, sealed 30 Water Factories across the State for various infractions.
The factories were sealed by the enforcement team of LASWARCO for various violations such as unhygienic production environment, failure to comply with regulatory provisions and operating without adhering to good manufacturing practices.
USAID keep doing great job for putting smile in the faces of the privilege more God’s grace