To ensure its historic growth is not held back by risks to water supply, Lagos State government, on Tuesday, launched a historic new initiative in partnership with investors, experts and policy makers to transform the city’s water security.
The Guardian gathered that the Lagos Water Partnership (LWP) collaborative platform will play a vital role in shaping the future of water management and access in the region.
The LWP was launched by the Resilient Water Accelerator (RWA), an innovative initiative dedicated to mobilising private and public finance for water projects that enhance climate resilience in vulnerable communities.
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Speaking at the signing of the partnership witnessed by Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, who was represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Abimbola Salu-Hundeyin, outlined his vision for the city of Lagos.
He said: “Lagos, already home to 20 million people, is also one of the fastest growing cities in Africa with a growth of 77 people per hour between 2010 and 2030.
“Despite being surrounded by wetlands, lagoons and the Atlantic Ocean, just 10% of people living in Lagos have access to a municipal water supply. The city is also highly vulnerable to the impacts of climate change including sea-level rise and flooding.
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“The establishment of the new Lagos Water Partnership represents a major milestone in the Resilient Water Accelerator’s mission to unlock new sources of financing for necessary climate-resilient water projects.
“This could include enhancing urban and rural water supply infrastructure, introducing innovative technologies, and spearheading the review and development of sector policies and regulations.”
In his remarks, the state’s commissioner for The Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, said the Lagos Water Partnership aligns perfectly with the Lagos State government’s vision of
leveraging partnerships to improve
our environmental and water
resources management.
According to him, by channelling private investment to complement public resources and uniting key stakeholders from both sectors, the Lagos Water
Partnership aims to create and
implement a robust investment
environment. He stressed that the initiative is a testament to the THEMES+ agenda of Mr.Governor’s commitment to
sustainable development.
The Ministry, he said, is confident that this partnership will significantly
strengthen Lagos’ water resources
while ensuring sustainability and
top-tier performance.
Speaking, Chief Executive Officer of the Resilient Water Accelerator, Kate Hughes, said: “The inauguration of the Lagos Water Partnership marks a significant milestone in our collective efforts to build resilience and ensure sustainable water access for all.
“By improving water systems, we can enhance the health, economic stability, and quality of life for the people of Lagos, reducing disease and freeing up time for education and employment opportunities.
“By forging partnerships and mobilising resources, we can create lasting impact and transform the water landscape in Lagos and beyond,” she added.
On his part, Project Director, Artic Infrastructure, Mr Lookman Oshodi, who is coordinating the partnership on behalf of Resilient Water Accelerator, said the inauguration of LWP, was significant in addressing the water needs of Lagos residents.
According to him, the significance of the partnership is that it creates another milestone in the journey of bringing the private sector on board to work collaboratively with the public sector in delivering urban or critical abandoned surfaces to the residents of Lagos.
“The establishment of the new Lagos Water Partnership represents a major milestone in the Resilient Water Accelerator’s mission to unlock new sources of financing for necessary climate-resilient water projects.
“This could include enhancing urban and rural water supply infrastructure, introducing innovative technologies, and spearheading the review and development of sector policies and regulations,” he added.
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