The Lagos State Government has said it is not planning to privatize the State Water Corporation, contrary to the speculation that it is partnering with a financial institution to sell the corporation.
The Commissioner for the Environment, Dr. Babatunde Adejare disclosed this today at the October 2016 Monthly Press Briefing of the Ministry of the Environment, organized to inform and enlighten the general public on the activities of the State government concerning the environment.
Adejare stated that rather than privatize, the State government would collaborate with interested private individuals or organisations to build water works under a Public Private Partnership arrangement in which the private sector partner would build, operate and charge reasonable amount for their services.
He said this move became necessary as the cost of building single water works had skyrocketed due to the exchange rate volatility, whereas government has limited resources with competing needs across sectors.
“We cannot afford to stick to the status-quo as we are battling with vector-borne diseases and we need to sort out the issue of appropriate pricing. Currently Water Corporation charges 5k per liter against N100 per liter charged by the local water vendor”, he said.
Adejare maintained that water supply in the State was being given a new lease of life as most of the water works such as Ishasi, Adiyan and Iju Waterworks now produce and supply uninterrupted water to
Lagosians upon the repairs of equipment and restoration of power supply, saying government is finding a lasting solution to billing problems as well.
While restating the policy of Lagos State Government on cleaner and sustainable environment, the Commissioner said government was committed to the removal of all environmental infractions and would not relent in bringing about a sustainable environment.
He also reaffirmed the policy of zero tolerance on street trading and hawking in the State, warning violators of environmental laws to desist or incur the wrath of the law.
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