JICA REVISITS LAGOS WATER CORPORATION TO OFFER SOLUTIONS TO ITS PROBLEMS

Just In – As parts of the Lagos Water Corporation’s efforts to rejig its operations, the Japanese International Cooperation Agency (JICA) revisited Lagos Water Corporation today Monday 15th April, 2019 to offer solutions to the Corporation’s problems militating against its operations.

The visit was parts of the Agency ongoing Interaction and deliberation of Understanding of Challenges of MDAs.

In his opening remarks, the LWC Group Managing Director/CEO, Engr. Muminu Adekunle Badmus welcomed the JICA representatives led by Japan Development Service Co., Ltd. Senior Consultant Consulting Division, Yusuke Tanaka to the Waters house and lauded the JICA 5-man team, particularly in the area of assistance rendered to the Corporation so far, adding that this is another meeting for creation of new idea for present and future challenges.

JICA is promoting the application of digital technologies (i.e A1/Big Data, IoT etc), in collaboration with private sector organizations to accelerate development towards SDGs.

Engr. Titilola Oridami-Bright, LWC Monitoring and Evaluation Unit in her brief speech/insight to the JICA’s visit to the Corporation, stated that “JICA is on mission to offer solutions to LWC problems using Disruptive technology, Innovative technology/systems”.

Mr. Chidozie Agbaragwu, while presenting the Information, Communication and Telecommunications (ICT) Infrastructures at the meeting, revealed that the general objective of the ICT is to improve the Operational efficiency which will lead to cost recovery and improved customer service delivery.

” The ICT summary strategic plan are into 5 areas namely: Customer Service, Administrative Applications, Security, Infrastructure, and Training”

He enumerated the LWC Current infrastructure (Software and Hardware) as: GIS, Asset Management, e-procurement, Active Directory, Prepaid Bulk Meters Management Software, Old Billing system, Biometric System, Local Area Network, Wireless LAN, Backup Storage, Servers, Desktop & Laptops, Internet Access at HQ., Solar Power system among others.

He further stressed that the challenges faced by the Corporation are enormous, these involved : Sustaining the internet Access at the HQ., Maintaining Power supply for 24/7 Operations, No visibility of Software Systems, Inadequate Training of ICT Staff, among others.

Proposed requirements for solutions are: Operational Computers/Tablets, Wide Area Networks, Cloud Based Access for all Software Systems, Integration for all Software Systems, Meter Reading Collection and Management and Training and Re-training of ICT Staff.

Other LWC Management Staff present at the meeting included, LWC COO, Engr. Deji Johnson, Engr. Ijaiya Suraj, Engr. Abass, Engr. Ibraheem, Mr. Ajose, Mrs. Ishola, Mrs. Adedugbe, Engr. Odunuga, Engr. Ogunsua, Mr. Oriola, Mr. Etti and Mr. Anifowoshe.

Members of the Ibile Broadband also present at the meeting.

JICA team is expected soon for further presentation and interaction on the way forward as the meeting is ongoing.