Environment
AFRICA’s largest city takes a major step to ensure its historic growth is not held back by risks to water supply, as Lagos State government launches today a historic new initiative in partnership with investors, experts and policy makers to transform the city’s water security.
The Lagos Water Partnership (LWP) collaborative platform will play a vital role in shaping the future of water management and access in the region.
The LWP has been launched by the Resilient Water Accelerator (RWA) – an innovative initiative dedicated to mobilising private and public finance for water projects that enhance climate resilience in vulnerable communities.
Ms Ayaan Adam, CEO of the African Finance Corporation, AFC, Capital Partners said the Lagos Water Partnership is a template that could be used to drive a national framework for public and private partnership in water resources management.
She said the Partnership will drive resources including innovative finance, technology and expertise into the water resources sector in Lagos State.
She urged all members of the LWP to prepare to do the hard work of attracting investment into the sector to the benefits of everyone in Lagos.
The Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Mr. Tokunbo Wahab said that the sector remained a focus of the Lagos state’s investment and development efforts.
Tokunbo said that Lagos exemplifies the strategic approach.
He noted that City authorities globally often face resource constraints in addressing urban needs, making partnerships, collaborations, and alliances for drawing resources and providing vital city services.
He added that the aforementioned forward-thinking initiative, attracted the Resilient Water Accelerator (RWA), which is now collaborating with the Ministry to form the Lagos Water Partnership (LWP).
He stressed that the Lagos Water Partnership aligns perfectly with the LASG’s vision of leveraging partnerships to improve the environmental and water resources management.
Wahab emphasized that the Lagos Water Partnership aims to create and implement a robust investment environment sector.
He added that this can be achieved by channeling private investment to complement public resources and uniting key stakeholders from both sectors
he noted that the ministry has created an enabling environment to attract partners and build strategic alliances.
Gov. Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State says his administration is committed to intensifying sustainable water sector reforms solution for Lagos residents.
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Represented by the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Mrs Bimbola Salu-Hundeyin, Sanwo-Olu said that Lagos can provide maximum value and opportunities through its water resources.
The governor noted that, across the globe, the water resources sector is facing challenges amplified by the impact of climate change.
He said that in spite of the challenges, Lagos is committed to achieving a water safe city that guarantees access to clean water for all residents.
“Our efforts include revamping water delivery facilities, clearing of blockades from Wetlands and canals to mitigate flood risk
“We are enhancing the resilience of our coastal communities against climate impacts” Sanwo-Olu said.
According to him, the state need substantial investment to achieve the set goals.
He added that the private sector plays a crucial role in complementing the public sector efforts in achieving a robust water solution for Lagos residents.
Sanwo-Olu explained that the creation of the Lagos Water Partnership is timely.
He noted that the platform would spearhead the development and execution of an investment vision for water security in Lagos.
He added that the platform would also unit key public and private stakeholders to plan, reflect and stimulate progress.
According to him, partnership is tasked with building an evidence based, developing targeted capacity and establishing systems to attract large – scale investments.
He stressed that the partnership would also serve as a consultative platform linking private sector actors with government and policy makers, amongst others.
Lagos, already home to 20 million people, is also one of the fastest growing cities in Africa with a growth of 77 people per hour between 2010 and 2030.
Despite being surrounded by wetlands, lagoons and the Atlantic Ocean, just 10% of people living in Lagos have access to a municipal water supply.
The city is also highly vulnerable to the impacts of climate change including sea-level rise and flooding.
The establishment of the new Lagos Water Partnership represents a major milestone in the Resilient Water Accelerator’s mission to unlock new sources of financing for necessary climate-resilient water projects.
This could include enhancing urban and rural water supply infrastructure, introducing innovative technologies, and spearheading the review and development of sector policies and regulations.
Also, As Kate Hughes, Chief Executive Officer of the Resilient Water Accelerator said:
“The inauguration of the Lagos Water Partnership marks a significant milestone in our collective efforts to build resilience and ensure sustainable water access for all.
“By improving water systems, we can enhance the health, economic stability, and quality of life for the people of Lagos, reducing disease and freeing up time for education and employment opportunities.
By forging partnerships and mobilising resources, we can create lasting impact and transform the water landscape in Lagos and beyond.”
F.A
July 12, 2024
Tags: Lagos Water Accelerator Lagos Water Reforms
