The Lagos State Government on Monday signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with international consortium companies, Belstar Capital and ENKA, to undertake the rehabilitation and expansion of water supply infrastructure across the state.
In a statement released by the Director of Public Affairs, Ministry of Environment and Water Resources, Kunle Adeshina, the agreement is aimed at tackling the state’s longstanding water infrastructure deficits and providing reliable access to clean water for underserved communities.
Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, who spoke after the signing ceremony, noted that the initiative includes both the rehabilitation of existing water treatment facilities and the construction of new ones.
“The project will see the establishment of new water works to improve our distribution networks. We will also ensure compliance with all relevant regulations, including social and safety standards,” Wahab stated.
He explained that the initiative is divided into two components:
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Brownfield projects involving the overhaul of existing water works.
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Greenfield projects entailing the construction of entirely new facilities in strategic locations across Lagos.
Managing Director of the Lagos Water Corporation (LWC), Mukhtaar Tijani, highlighted that the LWC will work closely with the consortium, providing technical support, stakeholder engagement, and local expertise to ensure the project’s success.
“These projects will deliver potable water to previously unserved communities and play a significant role in eliminating water-related diseases,” Tijani said.
Speaking on behalf of the consortium, Tewodros Polk, Group Managing Director of Belstar Capital, reaffirmed their commitment to leveraging international expertise and local collaboration for long-term success.
He emphasized the use of local subcontractors to promote skills development and sustainability throughout the 36-month execution period.
Polk added that the project would follow an Engineering, Procurement, Construction and Finance (EPC+F) model, backed by insurance from the U.S. International Development Finance Corporation (DFC).
