The Lagos State government has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with an international consortium comprising Belstar Capital and ENKA, marking a major step towards the rehabilitation and expansion of water supply infrastructure across the state.
At the signing ceremony held at Alausa on Monday, the Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, said the collaboration is designed to address critical challenges confronting water infrastructure in the state. Wahab explained that the project will involve the construction, rehabilitation, and installation of modern water treatment facilities and distribution networks to ensure reliable and sustainable access to water for underserved communities.
He outlined that the initiative would involve both the rehabilitation of existing water works, termed the “Brownfield” aspect, and the construction of entirely new facilities under the “Greenfield” segment. The state government, he added, will ensure that the project adheres strictly to relevant regulations, social guidelines, and safety standards.
Speaking at the event, the Managing Director of the Lagos Water Corporation, Mukhtaar Tijani, reaffirmed the corporation’s commitment to working closely with the international consortium. He stressed that LWC will provide technical input, developmental support, and stakeholder coordination to ensure the project’s success. Tijani also emphasized that the initiative would not only provide potable water to communities currently lacking access but would significantly reduce the incidence of water-related diseases.
Group Managing Director of Belstar Capital, Tewodros Polk, assured that the consortium would leverage its technical expertise and global experience to deliver a high-quality project. Polk added that local subcontractors will be engaged throughout the phases of the project to promote capacity building and encourage sustainable development within Lagos State.
He revealed that the project will be executed using an engineering, procurement, construction, and finance (EPC+F) model, insured by the U.S. International Development Finance Corporation. According to him, the project is slated for completion within 36 months.
The Lagos State government has consistently emphasized the importance of enhancing water infrastructure to meet the demands of its growing population, and the new partnership is expected to accelerate the realization of that goal.
