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Tag: water supply

  • Lagos announces temporary water supply disruption, assures restoration soon

    Lagos announces temporary water supply disruption, assures restoration soon

    The Lagos Water Corporation (LWC) has announced a temporary disruption in water supply to parts of the Lagos metropolis, including Akiode, Ikeja, Magodo, Oregun, Ketu, Ojota, Maryland, Aromire, Ogudu, Gbagada, Shomolu, Ojuelegba, Oyingbo, Ijora Olopa, Agege, and parts of Lagos Island, to enable the completion of critical repair and replacement works at the Adiyan I Water Treatment Plant.

    This was disclosed in a statement issued by the Deputy Director, Public Affairs Unit , Kehinde Fashola.

    . According to the statement, the planned repair works are necessary to address a leakage on the ND1600mm Adiyan raw water pipeline located at the Akute Intake Station.

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    The Corporation explained that the continuous leakage has been adversely affecting the ongoing construction of the Adiyan Phase II project.

    “It was observed that the persistent water discharge from the leakage point is saturating the surrounding soil, thereby compromising ground stability and posing safety risks to heavy construction equipment, including cranes and excavators, currently deployed in the affected area,” the statement noted.

    LWC further stated that the Adiyan I Water Treatment Plant will be shut down temporarily pending the completion of the repair and replacement works. This measure is to ensure the safe and effective execution of the Adiyan II intake construction works.

    The Corporation assured customers that efforts are being intensified to complete the works promptly, adding that water supply restoration is expected soon.

  • Lagos boosts water supply, tackles pipeline bursts

    Lagos boosts water supply, tackles pipeline bursts

    Lagos State Water Corporation (LSWC) says there has been  a significant increase in water production from its Iju and Adiyan waterworks. This development underscores the Corporation’s commitment to providing improved and reliable water supply to residents across Lagos State. A statement by the Deputy Director,Public Affairs Unit, Kehinde Fashola,however, noted that “following the surge in water supply, high-pressure bursts were reported along the Maryland-Ikorodu axis, leading to temporary flooding on major roads.

    “Investigations revealed that the bursts were caused by stolen fittings, which exposed the pipe flow line and allowed water to escape to the surface. This factor significantly impacted the integrity of the water pipelines in the area.

    To address the situation, the Managing Director of LSWC, Engr. Mukhtaar Tijani, led the distribution team to the site. Immediate actions were taken to stop the leaks, while production at the Iju and Adiyan Waterworks was temporarily halted to prevent further damage and ensure public safety.

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    “As we continue to enhance water production across the state, residents may notice instances of leakages. These occurrences are expected as part of our ongoing infrastructure upgrades, and we assure the public that they will be promptly addressed,” Engr. Tijani said.

    The Managing Director expressed his gratitude to the Lagos State Emergency Management Agency’s (LASEMA) Cobra Response Team-Onipanu and the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) for their swift response and assistance in managing the situation.

    The Corporation urges residents to report any leaks or bursts immediately to LSWC through the following helplines: 0704 597 3012,0704 597 3013, 0703 320 7647, 0703 326 1974.

  • Corporation apologises for unsteady in water supply

    Lagos Water Corporation (LWC) Managing Director Mr. Muminu Badmus yesterday apologised to residents for interruption in supply.

    In a statement, he blamed the disruption on epileptic power supply, which affected production.

    He said: “The corporation is working on alternative power supply to strengthen its operations.

    Read also: Corporation apologises for unsteady in water supply

    “The public should conserve water, save, store and use water wisely, especially during this period.”

    The statement said residents should trust the corporation for improved service delivery.

    It said LWC was committed to the provision of uninterrupted potable water.

     

  • Buhari declares state of emergency on water, sanitation sector

    President Muhammadu Buhari has declared a state of emergency on Nigeria’s water supply, sanitation and hygiene sector.

    Buhari made the declaration at the inauguration of the National Action Plan for Revitalisation of Water Supply, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) Sector at State House Conference Centre on Thursday in Abuja.

    He directed governments at all levels to intensify efforts and work towards meeting the nation’s water supply and sanitation needs.

    Buhari warned that henceforth Federal Government’s support to state governments would be based on their commitment to implementing the National WASH Action Plan in their respective states and to end open defecation by 2025.

    The president said the declaration had become critical to reduce the high-prevalence of water-borne diseases in different parts of the country, which has caused preventable deaths.

    He described statistics on open defecation, access to piped water services and sanitation in the country as ”disturbing”.

    “Access to piped water services which was 32 per cent in 1990 has declined to seven per cent in 2015; access to improved sanitation has also decreased from 38 per cent in 1990 to 29 per cent in 2015.

    “Our country now ranks number two in the global rating on Open Defecation as about 25 per cent of our population are practicing open defecation.

    “WASH services at the rural areas are unsustainable as 46 per cent of all water schemes are non-functional, and the share of our spending on WASH sector has been declining from 0.70 per cent of the GDP in 1990 to about 0.27 per cent in 2015, which is far below the 0.70 per cent at the West African regional level,” Buhari said.

    The president restated that the provision of potable water supply, adequate sanitation and hygiene were primarily the responsibilities of State and Local Governments.

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    According to him, water supply and sanitation are not being given the required attention judging from the high prevalence of water-borne diseases that are being reported in different parts of the country.

    He said that the stakeholders could not and would not continue to allow the preventable occurrences to decimate Nigeria’s population.

    Buhari said that he was aware that Nigeria did not meet the MDG targets for Water Supply and Sanitation that ended in 2015.

    “The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) targets (6.1 and 6.2) for WASH are even more demanding as they require WASH services to be provided in adequate quantity and quality on premises at affordable prices.

    “This cannot be achieved if we continue with ‘a business as usual’ approach.

    “It is on this premise that I fully endorse the decision taken at the meeting of the Federal Executive Council in April this year to declare a State of Emergency on our WASH Sector.

    “I call on all state governments to complement this effort by according the sector similar recognition to enable us work together to achieve the SDG targets for WASH by 2030.’’

    At the federal level, Buhari pledged that his administration would continue to place priority on infrastructure development including those of water supply, sanitation and hygiene services towards ensuring a better life for Nigerians.

    According to him, the commitment is being demonstrated through faithful implementation of the Economic Recovery and Growth Plan (ERGP) – which is the present administration’s blueprint for infrastructure and economic development.

    “From the inception of this administration, we have demonstrated serious commitment to the development of the Water Sector by preserving the Ministry of Water Resources and subsequently approving the 15-year roadmap developed for the sector.

    “The transformation being witnessed in the sector since then is highly commendable.

    “I have no doubt that the on-going initiatives including the implementation of the Partnership for Expanded Water Supply, Sanitation and Hygiene (PEWASH) in the Ministry will take the water sector to improved performance and supply, thereby meeting the national aspirations as well as the SDGs,” he said.

    The event was attended by representatives of state governments and development partners.

  • ‘Lagos not privatising water supply’

    The Lagos State government said it has not privatised water supply, neither has it awarded its privatisation contract to any organisation.

    It also said the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model it initiated was still at the bidding stage.

    Lagos Water Corporation (LWC) Managing Director, Muminu Badmus, who spoke in Lagos at the weekend, said it was wrong for anyone to claim that the state had awarded water privatisation contract to a discredited company.

    He stressed that such insinuations were at best preemptive as the government had only shortlisted some reputable companies, none of which was yet to have the contract.

    He said the Corporation had advertised an Expression of Interest (EoI), which attracted seven local and international firms, out of which four were shortlisted, following a rigorous and transparent process.

    The LWC said the state government would continue to work in the best interest of the people in its bid to promote their well-being, adding that this was the main reason the Akinwunmi Ambode administration prioritised provision of potable water to the people.

    He said this was evident in the administration’s investment in water facilities, an initiative, he noted, has increased water supply to 220million gallons per day (MGD) in the state.

    Badmus stated that the exponential increase in population has continued to push the water demand to 570MGD, leaving a gap of over 300MGD, while for the same demographic reason, the state’s resources faced pressure from other critical areas.

    “Globally, attention is being shifted to the PPP arrangement to provide infrastructure for the people as the government can no longer shoulder the responsibility alone,” he said.

    He said what the government was working towards was, ultimately, a PPP arrangement and not outright withdrawal, adding that the government was midwifing an arrangement that would ensure the injection of both public and private funds and expertise to drive seamless provision of potable water to the teeming population of Lagosians.

    He assured Lagosians that, as the ultimate beneficiaries, they would have cause to rejoice at the outcome of the ongoing process, which not only promises to evolve an effective and enduring solution to the water supply needs of Lagosians,  but also bring about a model for the country and the entire West African sub-region.

  • Lagos: ‘not privatising water supply’

    The Lagos State government said it has not privatised water supply, neither has it awarded its privatisation contract to any organisation.

    It also said the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model it initiated was still at the bidding stage.

    Lagos Water Corporation (LWC) Managing Director, Muminu Badmus, who spoke in Lagos at the weekend, said it was wrong for anyone to claim that the state had awarded water privatisation contract to a discredited company.

    He stressed that such insinuations were at best preemptive as the government had only shortlisted some reputable companies, none of which was yet to have the contract.

    He said the Corporation had advertised an Expression of Interest (EoI), which attracted seven local and international firms, out of which four were shortlisted, following a rigorous and transparent process.

    The LWC said the state government would continue to work in the best interest of the people in its bid to promote their well-being, adding that this was the main reason the Akinwunmi Ambode administration prioritised provision of potable water to the people.

    He said this was evident in the administration’s investment in water facilities, an initiative, he noted, has increased water supply to 220million gallons per day (MGD) in the state.

    Badmus stated that the exponential increase in population has continued to push the water demand to 570MGD, leaving a gap of over 300MGD, while for the same demographic reason, the state’s resources faced pressure from other critical areas.

    “Globally, attention is being shifted to the PPP arrangement to provide infrastructure for the people as the government can no longer shoulder the responsibility alone,” he said.

    He said what the government was working towards was, ultimately, a PPP arrangement and not outright withdrawal, adding that the government was midwifing an arrangement that would ensure the injection of both public and private funds and expertise to drive seamless provision of potable water to the teeming population of Lagosians.

    He assured Lagosians that, as the ultimate beneficiaries, they would have cause to rejoice at the outcome of the ongoing process, which not only promises to evolve an effective and enduring solution to the water supply needs of Lagosians,  but also bring about a model for the country and the entire West African sub-region.

  • Lagos improves water supply

    The Lagos State government has improved water production and supply to residents with over 10 million gallons per day (MGD), Environment Commissioner Mr. Babatunde Durosimi-Etti has said.

    Durosimi-Etti spoke at a ministerial press briefing in Lagos.

    The commissioner said the commitment of Governor Akinwunmi Ambode’s administration to meeting the water demand of the residents contributed to successful projects in the sector.

    He said: “The government, through Lagos Water Corporation (LWC), has embarked on and completed rehabilitation of waterworks as part of its efforts to provide potable water.”

    Attributing improved service delivery to the huge investment of the government in the sector, the commissioner listed some of the completed projects, which resulted in boost in water supply in the last one year, to include: “Rehabilitation of Ishasi Waterworks of 4MGD to serve corridor of Mile 12, Owode, Barracks, Alaba International, Old Ojo Road, Ajangbadi and other adjoining communities; rehabilitation of 48 mini-waterworks situated in parts of Lagos, including Ikeja, Surulere, Onikan, Epe, Iponri, Badagry, Lekki, Victoria Island, Ajangbadi, Dolphin, Ikoyi, Badore, Apapa, Ikate, Shomolu, Alexandra, Magodo, Meiran, among others.”

    He said: “Imeke Iworo Mini Waterworks of 2MGD will complement the 4MGD Ishasi Waterworks and serve parts of Badagry and other adjoining communities. The 45MGD Iju and 75MGD Adiyan will produce and supply at their optimal capacity. Akute intakes will supply fresh water to the major treatment plants of Iju and Adiyan and so on.”

    Durosimi-Etti added that other projects are refurbishment of generators, installation of 33KV panel and accessories, repair of leakages and burst pipes in Lagos metropolis as a result of activities of road construction and telecommunications outfits/companies, introduction of Geographical Information System (GIS) and asset management for operational efficiency and management of infrastructure and water supply system, deployment of over 17,000 units prepaid meters in Lekki, Ikeja, Magodo, MKO Abiola Garden, Surulere, Yaba/Ebute Metta, Iwaya, Victoria Island, introduction of payment options, LWC mobile payments, ATM/POS, Internet, bank branches, etc.

     

  • Oyo rehabilitates Eleyele dam to curb flooding, enhance water supply

    The proposed rehabilitation of the Eleyele Dam, in Ibadan, Oyo State capital, will substantially enhance residents’ access to potable water, as well as save the city from frightening flood incidents.

    The governor of the state, Senator Abiola Ajimobi, stated this at a ceremony to flag off the rehabilitation project, held at the premises of the dam, in Eleyele, Ido Local Government Area, Ibadan, on Friday.

    Ajimobi, who was represented by the Commissioner for Environment and Water Resources, Chief Isaac Isola, said the rehabilitation project was one of the befitting legacies he wished to be remembered for.

    He said that the contractor handling the overhaul of the dam, Messrs CGC-CHWE Joint Venture, and other partners, had been given a maximum of 24 months to complete the project.

    Ajimobi said, “One of the major challenges that first confronted this administration upon our assumption of office in 2011 was the devastating flood of August 26, 2011; an unfortunate incident that ravaged many parts of Ibadan.

    “This Eleyele Dam, which was approaching its 70th anniversary then, was badly hit, leading to an overflow of the dam and degradation of the appurtenant structures.

    “The implication of this was that one of the two fictional values of the Eleyele Dam, which was to help flood control during high flow periods through its reservoir holding capacity, had been compromised!

  • ‘Expect improvement in Lagos water supply ‘

    ‘Expect improvement in Lagos water supply ‘

    Group Managing Director, Lagos Water Corporation,  Muminu Badmus, explains how the state is working hard to provide potable water to Lagos residents

    At has been reported that only an estimated 10% of the Lagos populace have access to water supplied by the state’s water corporation; don’t you think this may lead to water crisis in the state?

    It is more than 10%. Yes it is true that there are gaps in the supply, as we are all aware that the population in Lagos is increasing every day, but the state is trying to catch up and bring the gap closer. Officially, the State is producing the designed capacity of 210 million gallons per day, when we should be supplying about 700 million. However, we have four major waterworks and 48 mini waterworks and they are producing water, but we are yet to get there. That is why the state is encouraging the corporation to do Public Private Partnership (PPP). We have 45 at Iju, four at Ota-Ikosi and another four at Ishasi. And the mini water works combined is about 100. The Odomola PPP will take about 2 years to be able to complement other ones. Presently, we’ve got approval for one PPP at Odomola, which is about 70 million gallons per day at Adiyan, in which the state is currently investing about N57 billion. The project is still ongoing and we are 70% complete as we speak. The corporation has also advertised expression of interest for another 70 million gallons per day. We are aware of the gap and the state is working with us to bridge the gap. The state will continue to work hard to ensure that clean potable water is supplied to Lagos residents.

    As a result of people’s inability to access potable water, residents are said to be drilling boreholes to get water, which is raising fears of various environmental and health issues, how does your ministry intend to curtail this?

    People are drilling boreholes because of the desperation to get water, and in actual fact, borehole water is not clean water no matter how you treat it. The reason is that as you are pumping from it, some people are decommissioning their old boreholes; so a lot of garbage is going down there and another person is pumping it up. Some people are treating the water but majority are not. On the other hand, we have a regulatory body that goes from house to house to ensure strict compliance. We have been advising residents that if they have a ‘main’ (large pipe) around their house they should inform us and we will get them connected. Also, for those people performing illegal connection of water, they should desist because they are contaminating the water.

    How is the corporation working to curb the growing water crisis?

    There is no crisis of water in Lagos, no crisis in our hands at all. The water we supply, if properly managed, is enough to serve virtually everybody. The crisis is simply caused by people’s inability to manage water; no proper conservation. And people are doing this because our houses are not metered. But they are indirectly preventing others from getting water.

    Reports from residents show that most times, water that come out from these pipes are brownish in colour, which implies that the pipes have gone rusty. Any plans to change the pipes?

    I can give you a tour of our facilities. None of them is bringing out brown water. Before water is pumped out, it is properly treated; it is criminal to send out brown water to Lagos residents. People may get brown water in those areas where there are illegal connections. Such pipes are passed through gutters because those handling the pipes are not trained, and when rain falls and the gutter is filled up, it can contaminate the line and bring in coloured water. Residents should inform us if there are leakages and we will tell them what to do to get it properly fixed.

    Residents living in areas where there have been road rehabilitations have lamented how they have been adversely affected, with such works causing their water supply to stop. What is your take on this?

    We have written letters over and over again to local governments and their partners to inform us wherever there is road projects to be done. A lot of the contractors working with the local governments just uproot the pipes and then cover the ground back without fixing the pipes. That is why such houses could not get water. Areas that are affected should write a letter to the ministry to inform us about it and necessary steps will be taken to restore supply to them. We will continue to work with them, being our sister agencies, to ensure that the pipes are properly replaced the moment the road project ends.

    There seems to be a high deficit in the state’s 2017 budget, particularly regarding the sector, how does the corporation hope to meet up with its target this year?

    There is nothing of such; no budget deficit at all because the money which the State is giving the ministry is more, compared to some ministries put together. Our Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) is not really too much because Water is Life and the state is subsidising that. The Adiyan Water project of N57 billion is still on-going coupled with others. There is money in the budget to improve the living conditions of Lagos residents as regards potable water. Residents should expect a lot of improvement in the sector. Already we have 20,000 meters to give to residents in Surulere, Victoria Island, Lekki, Yaba, Ikoyi, Oworonshoki, Shomolu among others. This will no doubt control water wastage and leakages. Once you have meter and you are using prepaid, there will be no room for wastages.

  • Kebbi promises residents regular water supply

    Kebbi promises residents regular water supply

    The Kebbi Government has assured residents of the state of regular potable water supply.

    The General Manager of the Kebbi State Water Board, Alhaji Mahmoud Gwandu, gave the assurance while monitoring the off-loading of trucks laden with aluminium sulphate and hydrated lime in Birnin Kebbi on Thursday.

    He said that a total of  11 trucks with aluminium sulphate, hydrated lime and chlorine were expected in the state.

    “We have so far gotten four trucks of  chemicals and we are expecting the remaining seven to arrive soon,” he said.

    Gwandu said the chemicals would be used to treat water before use by residents, adding that the board was committed to providing the public with safe drinking water.

    He commended the state government for its commitment to providing residents with basic social amenities that would improve their socio -economic wellbeing.

    The general manager, however, appealed to residents to ensure maintenance of facilities provided for them.

    He also called on them to report any damage to pipelines to the appropriate authority for necessary action.

    The 220 metric tonnes of aluminium sulphate, 110 metric tonnes of hydrated lime and 200 drums of HTS chlorine would be put to use in the next four months in the state.