Residents of Lekki who rely on boreholes for their water supply may be consuming contaminated water, according to a stark warning issued by Mahmood Adegbite, the Permanent Secretary for the Office of Drainage Services and Water Resources in Lagos State.
Speaking at a recent stakeholders’ meeting, Adegbite highlighted the significant health risks associated with contaminated boreholes in the Lekki area. He emphasized that effective wastewater treatment is crucial to preventing diseases that could arise from such contamination.
“On wastewater treatment, I will say that everyone digging a borehole within the Lekki axis is probably drinking what I will call ‘shit water.'” Adegbite stated candidly. He further explained, “However, if we are able to treat all the wastewater within this axis, which we have plans for, we should be able to also eradicate any form of disease that might result from the non-treatment of our waste.”
Adegbite also addressed the persistent issue of flooding in the state, noting that despite substantial efforts, more work is needed. He commented on recent heavy rainfall, stating, “Yesterday, it rained heavily, which is unusual because this is supposed to be August break. However, we started having it because of a lot of complex issues.”
He concluded, “Basically, in terms of flooding, although we have committed so much, we still have a lot to do in that space.”
This warning underscores the urgent need for improved water infrastructure and sanitation practices in Lagos, particularly in rapidly developing areas like Lekki.
