The Lagos State Government, through Lagos Water Corporation has restored potable water supply to Abesan Baruwa and other adjoining communities of the area in the State.
This was disclosed during the re-commissioning of the newly rehabilitated Mosan-Okunola Mini Waterworks, which occurred yesterday; in a statement made available to Environment Africa Magazine.
According to the statement, while congratulating the residents of the areas on this historical project, the Special Adviser to the Lagos State Governor on Environment, Mr. Olakunle Rotimi-Akodu, who represented the Honourable Commissioner for Environment and Water Resources, Mr. Tokunbo Wahab, urged the residents through the Baale of Baruwa community to embrace the 2Million Gallons per Day Mini Waterworks project
“It is your project, please embrace it, as the Government is returning us to glorious heights”.
While advising the community to make use of the restored water and pay their bills regularly, Mr. Rotimi-Akodu said, “Water is no longer a social service. Where I come from we pay for Water. Everywhere in the world, people pay for water. What you will pay here is reasonable, far lower compared to Water vendors (Mai Ruwa, others) taking borehole water, untreated water, risking your health”
“Good enough, we have a Governor that is focused and determined. Also, the Commissioner does not joke, as it’s time to recover our lost glory”.
Mr. Rotimi-Akodu also showered encomiums and gave kudos to the LWC Management, ably led by the MD, Engr. Mukhtaar Temitope Tijani and the Executive Director, Operations, Engr. (Mrs.) Helen Omolanke Taiwo for this wonderful initiative and achievement.
“These are men of goodwill and purpose, they would move mountains.
“Delivering 2Million Gallons per Day is your starting point. I know you have so much more to cover. Imagine replicating this feat here and everywhere else in Lagos”
In the same vein, the LWC MD, Engr. Muhktaar Tijani in his speech highlighted the urgent need to address water supply challenges in the Abesan-Baruwa communities. He emphasized the strategic approach undertaken by LWC to resolve the problem, specifically focusing on rehabilitating the Mosan-Okunola Water Treatment Plant.
Tijani stated, “The restoration of the plant became a priority for us. The extensive rehabilitation work done on the plant includes but is not limited to the rehabilitation of existing electro-mechanical infrastructure.”
He further mentioned the successful linkage of the Mosan Okunola plant to the Baruwa community, enabling specific areas to receive water supply.
Engr. Tijani outlined plans for future expansions, positively impacting various streets within the Baruwa vicinity.
He however commended the cooperation and support of Abesan and Baruwa residents during the test running phase, urging residents to reconnect to LWC services and ensure timely payment of water bills.
Engr Tijani also announced the offer of 50 free house connections on a first-come, first-serve basis as an incentive for prompt reconnection.
Expressing appreciation to LWC partners and the Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, Tijani highlighted the Governor’s instrumental role in achieving water restoration through revenue generated by the corporation.
In her contribution, the Executive Director, Operations Engr. (Mrs.) Helen Taiwo stated that water supply goes beyond just running of plant to produce water. She added that the need to encapsulate total water supply processes remains the yardstick for an effective water utility.
She concluded that with the collaboration of all concerned in the sector, the water corporation plans to replicate Mosan-Okunola’s success in other operating areas in the State, as well as open new frontiers of water supply in line with the Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu’s THEME+ Agenda.
Wrapping up the ceremony, High Chief Aludu Baruwa, Baale of Baruwa extended congratulations to LWC for the restoration, expressing gratitude after 25 years of water scarcity in the community. He assured the corporation of the residents’ commitment to paying the monthly fees fixed by the Corporation, ensuring that the facilities would be used effectively.
