The Lagos Water Corporation (LWC) has introduced a new Crawler Bot system, marking a significant advancement in the State’s efforts to modernize and safeguard its potable water network.
According to the Managing Director of LWC, Engr Mukhtaar Tijani, the technology addresses long-standing challenges in inspecting underground transmission mains, a process traditionally hampered by limited access, slow turnaround times, and high operational costs. The new robot offers real-time visibility inside pipelines, capabilities the utility has not previously possessed.
Developed in partnership with Konsadem Associates and McAlpha Inc., the device moves through pipelines while capturing high-definition video and key measurements.
It can identify corrosion, cracks, blockages, and potential leaks, while also mapping pipe coordinates and diameters. These insights provide engineers with a clearer understanding of the condition and performance of critical water infrastructure.
Tijani says the innovation will enhance decision-making, enable more targeted maintenance, reduce water losses, and improve service reliability across Lagos. When paired with GIS mapping and hydraulic modelling tools, the crawler technology also advances the Corporation’s broader digital transformation agenda and supports more efficient long-term planning.
The initiative reflects LWC’s commitment to sustainability and operational excellence, as well as its focus on strengthening the resilience of Lagos’ water supply network.
The Corporation expressed appreciation to its engineers, consultants, partners, and the Lagos State Government for their contributions to the project.
LWC describes the launch as an important milestone in its mission to deliver safe, reliable, and sustainable water to all residents, and indicated that it plans to continue adopting advanced technologies to further enhance system efficiency and infrastructure protection.
