11th August, 2017
The Lagos Water Corporation, LWC has debunked reports that it is partnering with failed foreign firms on its water sector development.
The corporation said reports in the media indicating such were false and unfounded.
Managing Director/ Chief Executive Officer, CEO, LWC, Engr. Muminu Badmus explained that the corporation shortlisted firms with proven track records and records of contract accomplishment all over the world for Adiyan II Project.
He said the shortlisted companies were AG Gold Trust Nigeria Limited, Vision Scape Water Solutions Limited / Metito, Veolia / Shoreline Group and Abegoa, Naston & Partners.
Badmus challenged those propagating such unfounded reports to reveal any false project executed by the shortlisted firms anywhere in the world.
“We wish to recall that, earlier this year; the Lagos Sate Government released a statement disassociating itself from a similar false, insidious and odious report in the media.
“In the response, it was stated that the Corporation published an Expressions of Interest (EOI) for the development of the 70MGD Adiyan Phase II Water Scheme through Public-Private Partnership and Global Water Intelligence, an internationally reputable water sector publication, based on which the above mentioned firms were shortlisted out of seven that indicated interest.
“The true situation is that these firms are highly ranked among the 25 leading firms privately financed water/wastewater treatment plants around the world, in a study undertaken by Global Water Intelligence (GWI) in 2016.
“We totally condemn the campaign of calumny, misinformation and fabrication of lies against the honest and genuine efforts of the LWC under the leadership of Governor Akinwunmi Ambode to sustainably solve the water challenges in Lagos.
“For the avoidance of doubt, World Bank is not involved in this project by material particular,” he said.
Muminu stated that the PPP model employed by the LWC was one of the veritable options as well as to obtain additional funding in view of dwindling revenues, to meet the water demand gap as a result of ever increasing Lagos population.
“The present administration is committed to the provision of potable water and will continuously give Lagos Water Corporation, necessary support to deliver on this important responsibility of providing potable water in sufficient quantity to Lagosians,’’ he said.