The procurement process for rehabilitating these waterworks is currently underway, with the bidding expected to conclude by the end of June. Following this, contractors will be mobilized to the sites. This effort is part of the Lagos Urban Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (LUWASH) programme, supported by USAID with a five-year intervention grant.
Governor Sanwo-Olu emphasized the importance of these projects, noting, “We have identified five micro and mini waterworks projects in underserved communities for immediate rehabilitation. The tender process is ongoing, and I have instructed the Managing Director to expedite the process so that we can start work and our partners can see the results of this intervention.”
This initiative is aligned with broader reforms within the Lagos Water Corporation (LWC), aimed at enhancing its capacity to meet public water demands. The Governor mentioned that the restructuring included downsizing and bringing in young, technically proficient staff to drive the corporation’s growth.
In addition to improving water infrastructure, the Lagos State Government is also focusing on sanitation. Governor Sanwo-Olu announced plans to roll out 150 public toilets across Lagos, with the design phase nearing completion.
During the meeting, USAID’s Melissa Jones praised Lagos’s Health Insurance initiative, highlighting its positive impact on the State’s development index. She also expressed USAID’s commitment to further support this initiative to make it more effective and accessible.
Jones, accompanied by U.S. Consulate Consul General Will Stevens, also discussed ongoing partnerships in nutrition programs, mentioning Nollywood actor Chioma Akpota’s recent appointment as USAID’s goodwill ambassador to lead these efforts.
Governor Sanwo-Olu concluded the meeting by reaffirming the State Government’s commitment to deepening its partnership with USAID, stating, “Our collaboration is yielding results, and we are open to further knowledge sharing to enhance the quality of life for our citizens.”
This collaboration marks a significant step towards improving water and sanitation infrastructure in Lagos, demonstrating the positive impact of international partnerships on local development initiatives.
