LASWARCO BERTHS IN IBEJU-LEKKI LOCAL GOVERNMENT: SENSITIZES RESIDENTS ON SAFE WATER, SANITATION, AND HYGIENE

The Lagos State Water Regulatory Commission (LASWARCO), the statutory body responsible for regulating, monitoring, and controlling the water sector in Lagos State to protect consumer interests, has officially extended its outreach to Ibeju-Lekki Local Government Area through a targeted community sensitization and public engagement program. Under the theme “Safe Water, Sanitation and Hygiene”, the initiative aims to educate residents, community leaders, borehole drillers, water vendors (including sachet and bottled water producers), tanker operators, and other stakeholders on the critical importance of accessing and maintaining safe, reliable, and hygienic water sources amid the state's rapid urbanization and reliance on alternative water supplies. Welcoming the participants, the Executive Chairman of Ibeju-Lekki Local Government and Chairman, Conference 57 league of Chairmen, Hon. Abdullahi Sesan Olowa affirmed that, the Council Area is in dire need of serious attention in terms of water consumption as water is life in itself and that it is important we regulate what we consume. While appreciating the Governor of Lagos State, Mr. Babajide Aduragbemi Sanwoolu for looking into water intake across Lagos State, he charged stakeholders to adhere to the discussions that will be held. The Executive Secretary of LASWARCO, Mrs. Oluwabukola Khadijah Adeyemo, emphasized that while Lagos is surrounded by water, much of it remains unsafe for direct consumption due to contaminants, salt intrusion, heavy metals, and poor handling practices. She highlighted the risks of waterborne diseases such as cholera, typhoid fever, and diarrhoea, which can arise from untreated water or indiscriminately sited boreholes near septic systems and soak-aways. “This program marks our commitment to bridging the gap between awareness and compliance in fast-growing areas like Ibeju-Lekki,” Mrs. Adeyemo stated. “Safe water is life, but poorly managed water can become a silent threat to public health and the environment. Key highlights of the sensitization included: Emphasis on household water treatment, storage, and hygiene practices. Promotion of collaboration between regulators, service providers, and communities to achieve sustainable access to potable water. Also Present at the occasion were SSA to the Governor on Water Corporation, Hon. Bode Olaniyan, Mr. Idowu Olowu, Mr. Lanre Owofuro, Mrs. Ayodeji Abe, Lagos State Health District III Director, Mrs. Mary Akinola, Past Serving Supervisors of Ibeju-Lekki Local Government Area, CDC Chairman, Comrade Jabita Adebola, amongst other dignitaries.