LAGOS, NIGERIA — The Lagos Water Corporation has revealed that its water network serves only 1.03 per cent of residents in Lagos State. The corporation disclosed this on Sunday during a press briefing in Lagos.
It said the network serves 34,424 registered households. This is a tiny fraction of the state’s population.
The Coverage Gap
The figure highlights a significant gap in water supply across Lagos. With over 20 million residents, the corporation’s coverage is minimal.
The LWC said the low coverage is due to aging infrastructure, inadequate funding, and rapid population growth. Many of the pipelines were laid decades ago. They have not been expanded or replaced.
“Our network is overwhelmed. We have the capacity to produce more water, but the distribution network is limited,” an LWC official said.
Challenges Facing the Corporation
The corporation faces several challenges. These include pipeline vandalism and illegal connections. It also faces non-payment of bills by consumers.
The LWC said it lacks the resources to expand its network. It also lacks the manpower to maintain existing facilities.
Many residents rely on boreholes, wells, and water vendors for their daily needs. This exposes them to health risks.
Government’s Response
The Lagos State Government said it is committed to improving water supply. It said it is investing in new infrastructure.
The government also said it is rehabilitating existing facilities. It is partnering with the private sector to expand the network.
“We are working hard to ensure that every resident has access to clean water. We are investing in new pipelines and treatment plants,” a government official said.
Impact on Residents
The low coverage affects millions of residents. Many families spend hours searching for water. Others pay exorbitant prices to water vendors.
Access to clean water is essential for health and hygiene. Without it, diseases spread easily.
“We buy water every day. It is expensive. We cannot afford it, but we have no choice,” a resident of Agege said.
What This Means
Access to clean water is a basic human right. The low coverage by the LWC means many residents do not have access to safe drinking water.
This has implications for public health. Waterborne diseases are common in areas without clean water.
The situation also affects economic productivity. Women and children spend hours fetching water. This keeps them away from work and school.
What Happens Next
The LWC said it is working to expand its network. It urged residents to pay their water bills and to avoid illegal connections.
The corporation also called on the government to increase funding. It said this would enable it to rehabilitate old pipelines and build new ones.
For now, the corporation is focused on improving its services. The coming years will reveal whether the government’s efforts will yield results. Residents are hopeful that their taps will soon flow with clean water.
