… Seeks Stronger Collaboration With Stakeholders
Lagos State Government has restated its commitment to the provision of safe drinking water for the people by empowering its Water Regulatory Commission (LASWARCO).
The Honourable Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Mr. Tokunbo Wahab disclosed this at the ‘Stakeholders’ Engagement Meeting’ held recently with Packaged Water Producers in Alausa, Ikeja.
Addressing the Stakeholders, the Commissioner said, “The Government will support the Water Regulatory Commission to achieve its goals to ensure safe, clean drinkable water since it was established to regulate standards in the packaged water industry by enforcing the minimum benchmark for producers”.
Earlier, the Executive Secretary, Lagos State Water Regulatory Commission, Mrs. ‘Funke Adepoju reiterated that the purpose of the meeting is to reinforce the guidelines for the packaged water services producers to improve the quality of drinking water across the State.
“The Commission will continue to strengthen the partnership with you to protect the wellbeing of the people. Hence, there is a need for cooperation with all Stakeholders in the water production business”, she said.
On his part, Director, Quality Assurance Department in the Commission, Mr Idowu Olowu outlined the guidelines governing the packaged water services production sector after which the representative of the Technology Partners, Mr. Oluwadare unveiled the proposed digital application to make registration, licensing and payment processes seamless.
Permanent Secretary, Office of Environmental Services, Ministry of the Environment and Water Resources, Dr. Omobolaji Gaji assured the Stakeholders of the Government’s support to enhance the ease of doing business but equally charged them to improve their roles.
“It is a symbiotic relationship because you also have to cooperate with the Government by organising buy-back programmes to remove sachets and bottles from the streets for recycling”.
Also speaking, the President of the Association for Table Water Producers of Nigeria (ATWAP), Dr. Clementina Ativie; Chairperson of the Association in Lagos, Mrs. Omolabake Mosaku and the President of the Hygienic Water Producers Association of Nigeria (HWAPAN), Mr. Ebere Ibeawuchi spoke on the challenges of the high cost of production and multiple taxations. They appealed to the Lagos State Government to harmonise the payments for an overall improvement.