The Lagos State Wastewater Management Office (LSWMO), has reiterated its commitment to establishing credible and sustainable wastewater management systems for the state.
According to the General Manager, Engr. Adefemi Afolabi, the agency which is tasked with the conceptualization, planning, and development of wastewater treatment infrastructure, is actively working to ensure the efficient management of wastewater in alignment with the recently approved Lagos State Water Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) Policy 2024 as well as the Sustainable Development Goal 6 on Clean Water and Sanitation.
He stated that the agency remains focused on efficient reviews and sign-offs of wastewater engineering reports, infrastructure designs, and specifications for wastewater projects across Lagos. “We are committed to the conceptualization and planning of fiscally viable investments in the state’s wastewater and faecal sludge management sector”, Afolabi said.
In addition to project design and planning, he noted that the Lagos State Wastewater Management Office provides consultancy services to government Ministries, Departments, Agencies (MDAs), and private organisations regarding the provision of wastewater treatment infrastructure. This is in addition to managing existing wastewater treatment facilities and issuance of sign-offs and yearly recertifications to all wastewater treatment plants operating within the state.
The General Manager noted that a key part of the office’s mandate, as enshrined in the Lagos State Environmental Management and Protection Law, 2017 is monitoring private and commercial properties with populations of over 50 population or buildings higher than three floors to ensure the provision of wastewater treatment systems.
Engr. Afolabi emphasised the importance of maintaining high standards, stating that laboratory analysis of effluent from government-owned treatment plants and the generation of baseline data on wastewater quality is critical to the protection of ground and surface water sources.
By implementing these initiatives, the Lagos State Wastewater Management Office is playing a pivotal role in maintaining environmental sustainability and improved public health as part of her Strategic Action Plan (2025 – 2030) which was recently unveiled for the improved quality of life for all Lagos residents.
