ETIM EFFIONG
The U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) and the Lagos State government have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to improve access to safe water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) services.
It was learnt that the MOU is the first step towards enhancing urban water service delivery in Lagos State by improving infrastructure and accountability, strengthening regulatory oversight of the Lagos State Water Regulatory Commission, and strengthening the governance, financial and technical capabilities of Lagos water utilities and private sector water vendors.
According to the World Bank, 60 million Nigerians lack access to basic drinking water and 80 million people remain without improved sanitation facilities.
Commissioner, Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources, Olalere Odusote, represented the Lagos State Government in his role as Chairman of the ad hoc state Water Corporation’s Executive Council Strategic Review Committee while USAID was represented by Economic Growth and the Environment Office Director Colin Dreizin.
“Our partnership with the Lagos State government will spur efforts to make clean water more accessible and affordable, especially in low-income communities.
“This is an important step in ensuring that citizens can trust that their local water providers are safeguarding their health,” Dreizin said during the signing.
Dreizin noted that Lagos is the latest state to receive water and sanitation assistance from the American people. Under its flagship Effective Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (E-WASH) activity, USAID already works to strengthen the performance of water corporations and rehabilitate waterworks in Imo, Abia, Delta, Niger, and Taraba states.
“The collaboration with USAID marks a significant milestone in the implementation plan of improving access to affordable, clean potable water in the State.
“Water and sanitation are critical elements in public health and are highly significant for sustainable development and economic growth,” Odusote said.
In 2021, USAID launched three new activities aimed at improving drinking water and sanitation services for hundreds of communities in Kebbi, Sokoto, Zamfara, Kano, and Jigawa states.
The U.S. government through USAID is investing over $67 million to foster closer coordination with federal and state government agencies to advance broad-based economic growth and resilience in Nigeria through improved WASH services.