Lagos To Explore Investment Opportunities In Wastewater Management

By Kazeem Ugbodaga

Lagos State Governor, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode has said that the target of his administration in wastewater management is to surmount the underlying challenges confronting the sector and unveil the business opportunities embedded in acceptable wastewater management practices.

Ambode said that the vision of a Smart City which his administration had keyed into required global best practices in wastewater management through the use of modern methods to collect, transport and treat waste water to acceptable standards prior to reuse or discharge into the environment.

The governor, who was represented at the Lagos State Wastewater Summit held at Ikeja,Lagos, Southwest Nigeria by the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of the Environment, Mr. Abiodun Bamgboye added that the summit provided a platform for stakeholders in the wastewater sector to examine existing frameworks, identify limiting factors, proffer sustainable solutions and chart a new vision for the sector.

He, however, called on investors and practitioners in the wastewater sector to collaborate and partner with the government to ensure that wastewater management in the State is at par with global practices.

“These practices are further sustained by a partnership with the private sector for the financing, construction, operation and maintenance of wastewater treatment infrastructure” he stated.

The governor also reiterated that “as a government that is committed to a cleaner and sustainable environment and improved health of the people, we are committed to providing necessary support for investors and practitioners in the sector”.

He maintained that the current state of wastewater management in the State indicates that the huge potential in the sector remains untapped, adding that the multi-billion naira potential in the sector needs to be properly harnessed.

Earlier, in his address, the Commissioner for the Environment, Dr. Samuel Babatunde Adejare represented by the General Manager, Lagos State Parks and Gardens Agency, Mrs. Abimbola Jijoho-Ogun said there is still more to desire in a mega city that had moved from the use of pail latrines and night-soil systems by 85% of the State’s population.

He further said the theme of the event, “Wastewater Management in Lagos State: Charting a New Vision,” identified the improper wastewater management system that will ultimately lead to the spread and pollution of the environment as the government continues to pursue the goals of achieving an environment that is safe, secure and healthy across the State.

The Coordinator, Lagos State Wastewater Management Office, Engr. Adeniyi Abdul who commended the governor for the transformation in all sectors in the State, especially the water sector, said a lot more could be achieved with more private and individual partnership.

He said, “The upgrade and transformation of any sector globally cannot be achieved without active participation of the government, private sector and well-meaning individuals in the society”.