The Lagos State Government has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with China Harbour Engineering Company (CHEC) and Naston Engineering Nigeria Limited to advance the development of critical water infrastructure aimed at improving access to potable water across the state.
The agreement, signed on Thursday, will facilitate the scoping and definition of key components of the state’s water infrastructure expansion programme.
Speaking at the signing ceremony, the Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Mr. Tokunbo Wahab, described the partnership as a significant milestone in the government’s efforts to strengthen water supply systems and provide sustainable, safe and reliable potable water for Lagos’ growing population.
Wahab explained that the one-year MoU establishes a collaborative framework for the development of two strategic project lots that will serve as the foundation for the next phase of water infrastructure expansion in the state.
According to him, the first project lot will focus on the installation of a water transmission pipeline beneath the Lagos Lagoon into the Lekki Concession Area, while the second will address downstream distribution activities, including metering and last-mile connections within the concession area.
He added that the outcome of the engagement would include a comprehensive technical report and implementation framework to guide project execution and support the preparation of a concession agreement between the Lagos State Government and the consortium.
Speaking on behalf of Naston Engineering Nigeria Limited, the Managing Director, Mr. Kole Funsho, thanked the state government for its confidence in the consortium and described the MoU as the beginning of a process that would lead to the delivery of a sustainable and bankable water infrastructure project.
Funsho said the agreement clearly defines the scope of the proposed concession and assured that the consortium would deliver the required technical studies within the agreed timeline or ahead of schedule.
He disclosed that the consortium would undertake detailed engineering designs, project cost estimates and tariff structures necessary to support the final concession agreement.
The Managing Director noted that successful implementation of the project would require close collaboration with the Ministry of the Environment and Water Resources and other relevant government agencies to obtain essential infrastructure data and ensure that the proposed pipelines are properly aligned without affecting existing roads, drainage systems and public infrastructure.
He expressed confidence that the partnership would significantly improve potable water supply and contribute to enhanced service delivery for Lagos residents.
Present at the signing ceremony were the Permanent Secretary, Office of Drainage Services, Engr. Mahamood Adegbite; Managing Director of Lagos Water Corporation, Engr. Mukhtaar Tijani; Executive Director of Operations, Engr. (Mrs.) Helen Taiwo; China Harbour Engineering Company Executive Director, Mr. Luke Lin; and members of the executive management teams of the participating organisations.
