Muminu Badmus
Following the passage of the new environmental bill in Lagos State, the State government has called for expressions of interest for public-private partnerships open to local and foreign firms for the development of The Adiyan Phase II water scheme.
The government is seeking competent firms to develop water distribution networks, metering and operation/management of the new 70MGD Adiyan Phase II Water Treatment Plant on a build, finance, operate and transfer basis with a proposed 25-year concession period.
Lagos is the fifth largest economy in Africa, with a population of 24 million people with projected population figures set to go up to 29 million making it be the 3rd largest megacity in the world by 2020. It is also Nigeria’s economic and commercial nerve centre. The current water and wastewater infrastructure have progressively become a debilitating burden on the State and its people. From water wasted through leakage throughout the infrastructure system which causes flooding to poor management of sewage and waste water imperiling the lives of Lagos residents.
The project involves the construction of 2,369km of water distribution network pipelines, service connection of over 200,000 homes and metering, including telemetry and SCADA infrastructure, operation and maintenance of a newly constructed water treatment plant, development and maintenance of a comprehensive customer database and collection of revenue, and the design, construction and commissioning of a 7.8 – 10 Megawatts Independent Power Plant (IPP).
The Managing Director of the Lagos Water Corporation, Engr. Muminu Badmus said “We are aware of the challenges to this critical infrastructure that is one of the pivotal backbones of our society. Our strategy is to successfully execute the goals under the State’s master plan for water resources. The development of our water sector is not only about securing consistent water supply to the people of Lagos State. Beyond domestic supply, positive health-related outcomes alone come with significant compound effects. Ensuring regular potable water supply empowers others as well.”
Metito founded in 1958, currently manages a total installed capacity exceeding 1 million m3/day at its China concessions alone and effectively manages thousands of projects, spanning four continents.
Veolia is a French transnational company specializing in waste, energy and waste management. Veolia has established a strong presence in water management services especially in the UK with a complete range of technological water treatment solutions for cities.
Other firms have also expressed interest including Visionscape an environmental utility company that specializes in developing tailor-made business models for emerging markets municipalities and industries.
Governor Akinwunmi Ambode commented “This administration is fully committed to tackling the water crisis by prioritizing the water utilities sector of the State. Managing water in one of the fastest growing cities in the world is a huge task, we understand the hazards and we have mapped out a clear direction for moving forward with the implementation of solutions. The concessions will allow for capacity building and create opportunities to help build the businesses of water and sanitation.”
He went on to say, “The people must be carried along. The preservation of water resources is a concerted effort. In as much as it is government’s responsibility to provide it, we must begin to respect the fact that this a finite resource and must proceed mindfully”.
The first phase of the Adiyan II Water project is expected to take off in the next 24 months.
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