Group calls on Lagos Govt to prioritize water for citizens, revitalize sector
Posted by Ahmed Iyanda | 3 years ago | 732 times
Every 22nd of March is earmarked as World Water Day and the theme for this year’s United Nations World Water Day is ‘Valuing Water.’
However, the lack of state-owned pipe-borne water in the homes of Lagos residents has continued to be a source of concern, a non-profit group, Corporate Accountability and Public Advocacy Africa (CAPPA) has said.
This was disclosed at a press event to mark this year’s World Water Day, the group said its monitoring team’s visit to state-owned waterworks showed that most of them are not operational.
The group said the waterworks it visited include the ones at Maryland, Mushin, Ikorodu, Obalende, Agbowa, Onikan, Ikoyi, and Amuwo Odofin.
Only the one in Ikoyi is producing water, according to CAPPA.
According to CAPPA’s executive director, Akinbode Oluwafemi, the theme for this year specifically recognizes the crucial role of healthy ecosystems in maintaining water supplies around the world.
The United Nations reminds governments that the value of water is about much more than its price – water has enormous and complex value for our households, food, culture, health, education, economics, and the integrity of our natural environment.
“If we overlook any of these values, we risk mismanaging this finite, irreplaceable resource,” he said.
The United Nation noted that the value of water is about much more than its price – water has enormous and complex value of households, food, culture, health, education, economics and the integrity of the natural environment.
"If we overlook any of these values, we risk mismanaging this finite, irreplaceable resource. SDG 6 is to ensure water and sanitation for all. Without a comprehensive understanding of water’s true, multidimensional value, we will be unable to safeguard this critical resource for the benefit of everyone," UNO stated.
In a bid to ensure safety of water in Lagos State, Oluwafemi has urged the Lagos State government to convene an emergency session on the water crisis in the state, adding that the government should show seriousness in addressing the water challenge.
“The Lagos State Government should reject all forms of water privatization and commodification and fully uphold the human right to water as an obligation of the government, representing the people.
“The government must build a political will to prioritize water for citizens, leading to a comprehensive plan that invests in water infrastructure necessary to provide universal water access, jobs, improved public health, and invigoration of the Lagos economy,” he said.
