Sanwo-Olu rallies global funding support for Lagos water needs

A long-term financing opportunity that will enable Lagos State Government adequately meet the demand for safe water by its population was part of the central issues during a conversation at the United Nations (UN) Climate Summit in Dubai, United Arab Emirates.

The discussion was held on Friday at a side meeting with the theme: “Valuing Water: A Lifeline in Climate Transition”, organised by Business and Philanthropy Climate Forum and Sustainable Market Initiative at the ongoing 28th session of Conference of Parties (COP28) at Dubai Exhibition Centre.

At the cross-sectoral roundtable, Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu pitched sustainable funding proposal in order to raise private and philanthropic funding in addressing inadequate water infrastructure and supply shortages in Lagos.

Sanwo-Olu disclosed that Lagos, with 22 million population, has a daily demand of 700 million gallons of portable water, but said the State could hardly supply 210 million gallons per day due to shortage of infrastructure.

Lagos, he said, is challenged by increasing demand for clean water. Sanwo-Olu said the inadequacy of supply infrastructure could raise disease vulnerability in underserved communities, pointing out that the State, despite being surrounded by abundant water bodies, could only manage to utilise 40 per cent of its installed water facilities.