LWC, WaterAid Award Contract to Rehabilitate Akilo Waterworks

* 100,000 Residents to Gain Access to Potable Water Within Six Months

In a groundbreaking move to improve water access in Lagos State, over 100,000 residents of Ifako Agege are set to have access to clean and potable water within the next six months.

This assurance was made by Engr. Mukhtaar Tijani, Managing Director of the Lagos Water Corporation (LWC), today Thursday February 13, 2025 during the contract signing ceremony for the rehabilitation of the Akilo Waterworks, which has a capacity of one million gallons per day.

The rehabilitation is part of the Lagos State Urban Water and Sanitation Access Project (UWASAP), facilitated by WaterAid Nigeria, with funding from Armani Beauty under it’s Aqua for Life CSR Campaign.

The project is set for completion in six months, with Rigmars Projects Ltd carrying out the rehabilitation works. Both WaterAid and LWC will provide strict technical oversight to ensure the success of the project.

According to Engr Tijani, a lot of time and effort have been put into the development of this project. Various baseline studies, community engagement studies, tariff studies, household enumeration have been done, all of which have culminated in the contract signing.

In the last year, the Lagos Water Corporation has rehabilitated several waterworks across the state, furthering its mission to provide reliable water services to more communities.

Evelyn Mere, Nigeria Country Director of WaterAid, lauded the partnership between WaterAid and LWC, highlighting the resilience and commitment shown throughout the project’s process. She acknowledged the technical assessments, rigorous reviews, and procurement procedures that went into the contractor qualification process.

“WaterAid’s key approach of encouraging government leadership and commitment while mainstreaming systems strengthening has been central to the success of this project,” Mere explained.

“We are also deeply appreciative of Armani Beauty’s involvement and their continued commitment to prioritizing water access through their CSR initiatives.” she remarked.

Ms Mere further highlighted the importance of this project, stating that 90percent of deaths caused by diarrheal diseases are linked to unsafe water, poor sanitation and hygiene. She also noted that 45% of households in Lagos State lack access to safely managed water supply services; a situation that WaterAid would like to see reversed.

Reiterating the importance of this project, the LWC Boss disclosed that residents would have to pay for the water accessed to ensure the sustainabilility of supply. “For now, the focus is on household access, and we are prioritizing public standards and engagement as part of the rehabilitation process.” he noted.

It was confirmed that this model would not only help sustain the plant but will also oversee the introduction of a new innovation – payment using vending machines like an ATM – especially for those who would patronise the water kiosks.

In his goodwill address, the Permanent Secretary, Office of Drainage Services of the Lagos State Ministry of Environment and Water Resources, Engr Mahmood Adegbite commended the LWC and WaterAid for their commitment to ensuring water access and portable water supply in the state. Represented by Engr Akinwunmi Babatunde, a Deputy Director in the ministry, the Permanent Secretary reiterated the ministry’s support towards the rehabilitation works.

Also speaking at the event, Engr. Helen Taiwo, Executive Director of Operations at LWC, praised WaterAid’s consistent support in advancing the water sector in Lagos. Engr Taiwo reflected on the progress made, including the 2021 review of the WASH (Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene) policy, which was supported by WaterAid, and highlighted the organization’s role in securing funding and implementing water and sanitation projects across various local councils in Lagos.

“We also extend our gratitude to the Honorable Commissioner and the Ministry of the Environment for their continued support in improving water access across Lagos State.” she concluded.

The Akilo Waterworks rehabilitation is part of a portfolio of projects under the Urban Water and Sanitation Access Project (UWASAP). Funding for this specific intervention was secured by WaterAid from Armani Beauty through its Aqua for Life project. This two-year initiative, which began in 2023 and will conclude in August 2025, aims to improve water supply in Ifako Agege and other surrounding communities.

The primary objectives of the project are to:

1. Improve universal access to sanitation and sustainable water supply.
2. Increase hygiene and sanitation awareness in the region.
3. Enhance the quality of water in the local government.

A key component of the project is the rehabilitation of the Akilo Waterworks. The competitive procurement process was initiated in November 2024 with a final contractor selection made in January 2025.

Highlight of the event was the official signing of the contract documents by the Lagos Water Corporation as Awarding Agency, Rigmars Projects Ltd as Contractor and WaterAid, to provide technical assistance.

The organizations pledged their collective commitment to ensuring the project commences immediately, full support provided to the contractor to ensure timely delivery within the stipulated six months.