Lagos State Commissioner for Environment, Mr Babatunde Durosinmi-Etti, says the state has increased access to safe drinking water for residents with additional 10 million gallons per day.
The commissioner made this known on Wednesday in Lagos, during the 2018 ministerial press conference, to commemorate the 3rd year of Gov. Akinwunmi Ambode, in office.
He said that the increase was part of government’s strategic plans to meet growing demand of water by the vast population in Lagos.
Durosinmi-Etti said that the additional 10m gallons per day would bring water supply across the state to 220 million gallons per day, within the year under review.
“The major boost in water supply is achieved through massive investment in water infrastructure, enhancement of the capacity of existing waterworks and building of new ones”.
According to him, we have completed the rehabilitation of 48 mini waterworks in different parts of the state including Ikeja, Surulere, Onikan, Epe, Ikorodu, Dolphin, Ajangbadi, Victoria Island, and VI Annex.
“This is in addition to the rehabilitation of the major waterworks of Iju and Adiyan Phase I with 45 MGD and 70 MGD capacity respectively”.
“There is also the ongoing construction of the 70 MGD Adiyan Water Treatment Plant Phase II to produce and supply water at their optimal capacities.
He added that others are the four MGD Ishasi waterworks, the two MGD Imeke Iworo waterworks, both of which will serve the corridors of Mile 2 and Owode.
“They will also serve the corridors of Barracks, Alaba International, Old Ojo Road, Ajangbadi, parts of Badagry and adjoining communities, and the 2 MGD Oke-Odo mini waterworks,’’’ he said.
The commissioner added that for greater efficiency and management of water supply, the ministry had deployed the required technology and administrative measures.
Durosinmi-Etti said that such technology and administrative measures included the installation of 13,800 prepaid metres.
He said that the meters would ensure accurate billing in some parts of the state such as Lekki, Victoria Island, Surulere, Iwaya and Ikeja.
The commissioner said that the ministry had also procured leak detection equipment for the network intelligence and distribution teams to minimise water wastage and forestall leakages.
He added that part of the administrative measures was the refurbishment of generating sets, as well as the installation of a 33KV panel and accessories at Akute Intake Pumping Station.
“To keep track of all its water facilities spread widely across the states, the administration of Mr Akinwunmi Ambode has introduced Asset Management Plan”.
“It has also introduced Geographic Information System (GIS) to enable us locate, track, maintain and replace key fixed assets.
“This new technology has provided digitalised map and sketches, which facilitates the capturing and location of pumps, panels, main trunks, treatment plants and other assets to ease their maintenance,” he said.
