The Lagos Water Corporation (LWC) has reaffirmed its unwavering commitment to the successful delivery of the Apapa Water Reticulation Project, underscoring the importance of sustained stakeholder collaboration, transparent communication, and active community engagement in achieving the project’s objectives.
The commitment was reiterated during a stakeholders’ engagement meeting held at the Apapa Local Government Secretariat. The forum, organised by the Apapa Local Government in partnership with the Apapa Government Reserved Area Residents Association (AGRA), brought together representatives of the Lagos Water Corporation, North Cross Energy Limited, project consultants, contractors, technical experts, and other key stakeholders.
Representing the Managing Director of Lagos Water Corporation, Engr. Mukhtaar Tijani, the Executive Director (Operations), Engr. (Mrs.) Helen Omolanke Taiwo, explained that the Apapa Water Reticulation Project commenced in 2023 following the inauguration of the Corporation’s current management team.
She noted that the project is a strategic component of LWC’s 15-Point Strategic Business Plan, which prioritises the rehabilitation of critical water infrastructure, expansion of water distribution networks, and improved access to safe and potable water across Lagos State.
According to her, North Cross Energy Limited emerged as the contractor through a competitive procurement process and is currently executing one of Lagos State’s major water infrastructure rehabilitation projects. The initiative involves replacing ageing pipelines with modern water distribution infrastructure to improve supply efficiency, reduce dependence on private boreholes and water vendors, and enhance public health through reliable access to treated water.
Engr. Taiwo acknowledged that communication gaps were experienced during the early stages of project implementation and assured residents that the Corporation has strengthened its stakeholder engagement strategy to ensure continuous dialogue, timely information sharing, and greater community participation throughout the project’s execution.
Discussions at the meeting focused on improving collaboration among stakeholders, strengthening site coordination, addressing residents’ concerns, resolving technical challenges, and establishing more effective communication channels to minimise disruptions associated with construction activities.
Participants resolved that engineers from the Apapa Local Government would continue working closely with contractors to provide effective site supervision, facilitate prompt resolution of technical issues, and ensure seamless coordination throughout the project. AGRA also reaffirmed its commitment to supporting implementation by facilitating access to project locations, coordinating with residents, and assisting with security arrangements where necessary.
Stakeholders also considered concerns raised by residents over temporary road closures, restricted access to properties, driveway interruptions, pipeline alignment adjustments, and inadequate advance notice before construction activities. It was agreed that these issues would be substantially mitigated through improved communication, advance notifications, and sustained engagement with affected communities.
The meeting further highlighted technical challenges arising from encroachments on statutory public utility setbacks by some existing developments, which have complicated pipeline installation. Project engineers explained that comprehensive topographical surveys are ongoing to determine the most suitable pipeline routes while minimising impacts on private properties and existing infrastructure.
Stakeholders equally noted the phased replacement of obsolete asbestos cement (AC) pipelines with modern distribution systems, a move expected to improve water quality, enhance network reliability, and eliminate potential health risks associated with ageing infrastructure.
Residents were assured that all roads and public infrastructure affected during excavation would be fully reinstated after pipeline installation under the supervision of the Lagos Water Corporation in collaboration with the Lagos State Ministry of Works.
To further strengthen public engagement, stakeholders agreed that residents would receive regular project updates through official correspondence, telephone notifications, and community-wide information coordinated by AGRA. Updates will include affected streets, construction schedules, approved working hours, and information that will enable residents to identify authorised project personnel.
The meeting also emphasised the need for sustained public enlightenment on water quality, safe water usage, and the long-term health benefits of consuming treated public water instead of relying predominantly on private boreholes.
On security, AGRA reaffirmed its collaboration with the Nigerian Police, military authorities, and other relevant security agencies to facilitate access to restricted locations, safeguard project assets, and prevent vandalism throughout the construction period.
Among the key resolutions reached were stronger daily coordination between contractors and engineers, improved access management, enhanced complaint resolution mechanisms, effective security coordination, regular updates on affected streets and properties, and prompt restoration of roads and other infrastructure upon completion of construction activities.
Upon completion, the Apapa Water Reticulation Project is expected to significantly improve access to safe and reliable potable water, reduce dependence on boreholes and water vendors, modernise the area’s water distribution network, improve public health by reducing waterborne diseases, and enhance the quality of life for residents and businesses across Apapa.
The meeting concluded with all stakeholders reaffirming their collective commitment to delivering the project successfully through sustained collaboration, transparency, and proactive stakeholder engagement. While acknowledging that temporary inconveniences are inevitable during construction, participants agreed that the long-term benefits of a resilient and sustainable water supply system far outweigh the short-term disruptions, reinforcing the Lagos State Government’s commitment to providing safe, reliable, and sustainable water services to all residents.
