Lagos to prosecute illegal water service providers

The Lagos state government has established a special court to prosecute offenders and illegal water service providers.

Babatunde Adejare, commissioner for environment, disclosed this at a 2-day retreat organised for officials of the water sector.

The retreat has as its theme: ‘Towards achieving a safe and sustainable water sector in Lagos State’.

Adejare, who was represented by Babatunde Hunpe, special adviser to the governor on the environment, said that the water sector court became necessary “considering the series of atrocities and illegal practices being committed by some members of the public”.

He also dismissed the reports that the government intends privatising the state Water Corporation, saying the position of the government remains that since it cannot do it alone, a ‘public-private partnership’ is necessary.

“The truth is that the state government is not pleased with the present practice of giving bai outs to the Lagos Water Corporation because of no- payment of water bills by water consumers,” he said.

“In a sincere term, the state government cannot continue with the practice, as it is not healthy for the system.”

He added that the government will continue to regulate the water sector to make it attractive for the private sector to invest in.

Muminu Badmos, managing director of the Lagos Water Corporation, lamented the effect of illegal water connections.

He said their activities had served as an obstacle to government’s drive to meet the water needs of residents of the state.