WaterAid, council deliver lifeline projects in Lagos communities
The Ikorodu North Local Council Development Area (LCDA) has inaugurated three solar-powered water facilities across communities in Lagos, alongside a new toilet block at Farm Settlement Primary School, Ikorodu.
The projects, delivered in collaboration with the Lagos State Government and WaterAid Nigeria, were unveiled on Thursday in Irepodun, Arobiona and Agbede communities.
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*The Ikorodu North Local Council Development Area inaugurating solar-powered water projects.
Abimbola Joseph
The Ikorodu North Local Council Development Area (LCDA) has inaugurated three solar-powered water facilities across communities in Lagos, alongside a new toilet block at Farm Settlement Primary School, Ikorodu.
The projects, delivered in collaboration with the Lagos State Government and WaterAid Nigeria, were unveiled on Thursday in Irepodun, Arobiona and Agbede communities.
The five-cubicle toilet facility at the school is designed to be inclusive, catering for girls and persons with disabilities.
As part of efforts to ensure sustainability, the council also introduced Female Local Area Mechanics (LAMs) to oversee the maintenance and repair of the solar-powered systems.
Speaking at the event, the Lagos State Commissioner for Basic and Secondary Education, Mr Jamiu Alli-Balogun, emphasised the importance of access to clean water for community well-being.
Represented by Mr Omotayo Laiyemo, Tutor-General and Permanent Secretary, Education District II, he noted that the state government has embedded a strong maintenance culture in its institutions.
“Maintenance is integrated within government structures, from local councils to state institutions, ensuring that projects in schools and communities are properly sustained,” he said.
The commissioner commended WaterAid Nigeria for its support, noting that access to clean and free water would help reduce household costs, improve living standards and alleviate poverty.
In his remarks, the Chairman of Ikorodu North LCDA, Mr Ameen Apanishile, said the initiative was aimed at providing a safe, clean and sustainable water supply to the benefiting communities. He added that no fewer than 54,000 residents would benefit from the project.
“As we inaugurate these facilities, we must recognise our collective responsibility to protect and maintain them for the benefit of present and future generations,” he said.
Earlier, the Country Director of WaterAid Nigeria, Mrs Evelyn Mere, said the facilities were designed to deliver sustainable, reliable and affordable Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) services.
Represented by the organisation’s Head of Advocacy, Policy and Communication, Mr Kolawole Banwo, she disclosed that, with support from Microsoft, WaterAid Nigeria had already provided basic access to clean water for 35,943 people, safe sanitation services for 1,430 individuals, and hygiene support for more than 1,864 people.
Mere urged the LCDA to prioritise sustainability by committing resources for the maintenance of the facilities. She also called on the Lagos State Universal Basic Education Board to replicate such initiatives across the state, with proper oversight and support.
She further appealed to school-based management committees and other stakeholders to take ownership of the facilities to ensure their long-term sustainability.
