Over 80% of wastewater daily discharged in Lagos State could be utilized to meet the fresh water requirement of the population in Nigeria.
That is according to an expert, who added that it will only be possible if well recycled and treated.
Meanwhile, Lagos State Governor, Akinwunmi Ambode has tasked private sector in wastewater to support wastewater management. This, according to him is investing in the existing poor facilities of over 90% in in the sector.
Ambode had said at a meeting that Lagos requires about 720m gallons of fresh water per day. However, the city currently is only able to produce only 210m. This leaves a remainder of about 500 million gallons.
Wastewater Summit
The duo spoke yesterday, at a one day wastewater summit, held in G.R.A, Ikeja. The summit was themed: “Wastewater Management in Lagos; charting a new vision”. It was organized to provide platform for stakeholders in the sector to examine agendas and identify factors that prevent the goal from being met.
This would be in a view to give solutions that will last and provide a new vision for the sector.
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Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of the Environment, Mr. Abiodun Bamigboye was present to represent Ambode. He noted that over the years, the idea of reusing as a means for resource conservation has continued to become popular.
This is more so the case in developed economies.He stressed that with the development and use of appropriate technology, it is now possible.
One of the resource persons at the summit, Engr. Olalekan Sodeinde said with proper wastewater management there will be increase in the availability of fresh water for residents. Engr, Olalekan Sodeinde is also the General Manager, Lagos State Building Control Agency, LABCA.