The Lagos State Government on Monday signed a Memorandum of Understanding with an International Consortium Company, Belstar, and ENKA for the rehabilitation and expansion of water supply works in the state.

In a statement signed by the Director (Public Affairs) of the Ministry of Environment and Water Resources, Kunle Adeshina, it was noted that the Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, said the collaboration is aimed at addressing critical water infrastructure challenges in the state.

Speaking after the signing ceremony, Wahab said the project, which entails construction, rehabilitation, and installation of water treatment facilities as well as distribution networks, will provide a reliable and sustainable water supply to the underserved communities.

He said, “The project will see to the establishment of new water works to ease distribution network issues, adding that the state will ensure compliance with relevant regulations, including social and safety standards.

“The project is divided into two parts: the brown field, which consists of rehabilitation of existing water works, and the green field, which is the construction of entirely new water works in various locations across the state.”

Also speaking, the Managing Director, Lagos Water Corporation, Mukhtaar Tijani, said the LWC will collaborate with the International Consortium, provide support for development, technical inputs, as well as stakeholders’ coordination to achieve success.

He said the projects will not only provide portable water to communities without water, but they will also see to the eradication of water-related diseases in the state.

While speaking, the Group Managing Director, Belstar Capital, Mr Tewodros Polk, pledged that the consortium is committed to the project with the leverage of their strength and technical expertise to ensure long-term productivity and service delivery.

He promised that the Consortium will utilise Local subcontractors in order to promote capacity building and sustainable development throughout the different phases of the project.

“The project will be executed using the Engineering, Procurement,  Construction and Finance model insured by the US-International Development Finance Corporation, and it is expected to have a completion period of 36 months,” he concluded.