UNDP, Foundation, others unveil over $60,000 water project in Makoko

The Global Environmental Facility Small Grants Programme and United Nations Development Programme Nigeria (GEF/SGP/UNDP-Nigeria), Eco-Restoration Foundation and others, yesterday, commissioned over $60,000 worth of potable water project and early warning for flooding and pollution control in the Makoko-Eegun community in Lagos.

The project was embarked upon following a report of high levels of pollution in the Makoko-Eegun community due to the infiltration of wastewater, sewage, waste discharge, agricultural run-off and improper waste dumps in the surrounding communities.

National Coordinator of GEF/SGP/UNDP-Nigeria, Mrs Ibironke Olubamishe, who spoke during the commissioning of the project, said that when the Foundation and others brought the proposal for the intervention in the community, one of the things that interested the organisation was the community’s interest and commitment to the project.

She noted that about six researchers worked on the project and carried out a lot of research on it, saying that the project implemented several strategic activities, including drilling boreholes, installing filtration and treatment systems, conducting water quality testing, and training local community members on maintenance and water safety.

She, therefore, appealed to the people to ensure that they take ownership of the project and ensure it stands the test of time.

Trustee of the Foundation, David Omaghomi, said the project would enable the community to access clean and potable water, which the community could also sell to raise revenue to maintain the plant.

He said that the intervention in the community would help to ameliorate the challenges faced by the improvised fishing settlement that harbours a lot of dirt, and pollution coming from upland through the drainages and is susceptible to ocean and sea level rise.

He further said that the project’s community-centred approach had fostered a sense of ownership, and ensured long-term sustainability.

On her part, the Director-General of Eco-Restoration Foundation, Stephanie Nzeke Waniko, said the project would mitigate inadequate sanitation and pollution from domestic and industrial sources.

According to her, the absence of clean drinking water has led to increased health risks, particularly among vulnerable populations, including women and children.

However, a representative of the Nigerian Institute for Oceanography and Marine Research, Dr Shelle Dada, said that the early warning system would enhance the community’s capacity to respond proactively to environmental threats, minimising the impact of floods and pollution.