USAID TO PARTNER LWC, TOWARDS IMPROVING ACCESS TO WATER SUPPLY

In its bid to improve access to safe water in the Lagos State, the State Government, through Lagos Water Corporation in partnership with USAID is planning a holistic revitalization of the WASH sector to improve access to water supply to its residents.

This was revealed today Monday 27th June, 2022 at the Lagos Water Corporation, during the visit of the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) to LWC on Lagos Urban Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (LUWASH).

The USAID team led by Dr. Joechim Ezeji as part of its mission paid a visit to the LWC 45Million Gallons per Day (MGD) Iju Waterworks to access the status of its infrastructure.

In his statement, he mentioned that the Management of LWC, led by the Managing Director/CEO, Engr. Muminu Adekunle Badmus has shown Commitment and Interest in the programme, as discussion is agelong, even before design of E-Wash in 2017.

Mr. Ezeji added that the agency in her due diligence has been discussing with various Stakeholders, such as State Government, Water Regulatory, Contractors, among others to facilitate the exercise.

He however, said the agency is interested in making water supply services available to the populace and especially the less privileged.

“We want the poor people to get or feel the impact of the investment, as USAID is supporting/financing with 10% of 400million USDollard, amounting to 40-44million USDollard to support Infrastructure rehabilitation, Capacity Building, Institutional Strengthening, Improvement of Governance, among others”.

Recall that on December 8, 2021, USAID and the Lagos State Government signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to improve access to safe water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) services.

This was the first step towards enhancing urban water service delivery in Lagos State by improving infrastructure, accountability, and strengthening regulatory oversight in the State as well as strengthening the governance, financial and technical capabilities of Lagos water utilities and private sector water vendors.

The partnership between Lagos State government and USAID will spur efforts to make clean water more accessible and affordable, especially in low-income communities.

This is to be implemented under Lagos Urban Water Sanitation and Hygiene (LUWASH) programme.