Lagos Targets Investment Opportunities in Waste Water Management

By Modupe Gbadeyanka

Governor Akinwunmi Ambode of Lagos State has disclosed that his administration was targeting the various business opportunities in waste water management.

According to him, efforts would be made to overcome the underlying challenges confronting the sector as the state government continue to thrive hard to achieve its Smart City vision.

Mr Ambode said his administration had keyed into requires global best practices in waste water 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.

Governor Ambode, who was represented at the Lagos State Wastewater Summit held at Ikeja, Lagos by the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of the Environment, Mr Abiodun Bamgboye, added that the summit provides a platform for stakeholders in the waste water 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, Commissioner for Environment, Mr Samuel Babatunde Adejare, represented by the General Manager, Lagos State Parks and Gardens Agency, Mrs Abimbola Jijoho-Ogun, said there was still more to desire in a mega city that has moved from the use of pail latrines and night-soil systems by 85 percent of the state’s population.

He further said the theme of the event – Wastewater Management in Lagos State: Charting a New Vision – identifies 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, Engineer Adeniyi Abdul who commended the Governor for the transformation in all sectors in the state, especially the water sector, said a lot more can 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.”