Address water shortage, Lagos Assembly urges Ambode, corporation

Lagos State House of Assembly on Tuesday joined in the growing concern over the continuing acute shortage of potable water in the state metropolis, with a call on the governor, Akinwunmi Ambode, and the Lagos Water Corporation to address the issue.

Although the state government is seen to have invested billions of naira in the provision of water over the last 12 years, more than 80 percent of the state population estimated at about 20 million people, still depend on boreholes for their water needs.

For about three months running, there had been consistent shortage of potable water in Lagos, forcing many residents, especially those in Ikeja, Surulere, Lagos Island and the Festac town area, to resort to buying from water vendor, with the risk of water borne diseases.

The House of Assembly in a resolution passed on floor on Tuesday, directed Muminu Badmus, managing director, Lagos Water Corporation, to urgently address the problem currently plaguing some parts of the state.

The resolution followed a motion moved by Desmond Elliot, chairman, House Committee on Arts and Tourism, under matter of public urgent importance.

According to Elliot, “there is shortage of water in major areas of the state, and the state water corporation is not making reasonable effort to address it. “The issue, if not addressed promptly, may lead to epidemic,” he said.

The lawmaker, however, said the corporation might be facing financial challenge to live up to its mandate.

Adefunmilayo Tejuosho, the chairman, House Committee on Judiciary, Petitions and Human Rights, contributing to the debate feared that the shortage could lead to water-borne diseases.

“It is an issue that the House Committee on Environment needs to work on and address,” Tejuosho said.

Bayo Oshinowo, chairman, House Committee on Lands, encouraged the legislators to invite the general manager of the water corporation to explain the reason for the shortage, just as members general acknowledged the hardship this has unleashed on the residents of Lagos.

Mudashiru Obasa, the speaker, directed the House committees on finance and environment to invite the management of the water corporation to give explanations.

Obasa also directed that all stakeholders work collectively on the issue in order to find a lasting solution to the problem.