By Bose Adelaja,

Lagos State Government yesterday, said there were no plans whatsoever to privatise water in the state.

The Permanent Secretary, Office of the Chief of Staff, Governor’s Office, Mr Biodun Bamgboye said this at the governor’s house, Alausa, Ikeja, while addressing a group of women protesting against government plans on water privatisation in the state.

He said the state Water Corporation is presently undergoing rehabilitation as the governor  has allocated resources to resuscitate it.

The protesters, under the aegis of African Women Water Sanitation and Hygiene Network AWWASHN, were led by Chairperson, Veronica Nwanya, Mrs Fehintola Macaulay – Odumosu, and  Mrs Luisia Eikomun.

They converged at Ikeja Under- bridge with various placards as early as 8.30am before embarking on a peaceful protest to the government house, Alausa where a letter to that effect was delivered to the governor.

The Permanent Secretary who received the protesters on behalf of the governor, His Excellency Akinwunmi Ambode assured them that the government will carry residents along on issues of public importance.

He said, “Let me clear the air about the issue of water privatisation in Lagos by telling you that the governor has no plan to privatise it.

‘’ As I am talking to you, Lagos State Water Corporation is undergoing rehabilitation, to this effect, the leadership has been changed while the government has invested on some of the needs of this corporation.”

Earlier in her address, Veronica Nwanya said the protest was part of activities lined up to commemorate the 2016 World Water Day to be marked on 22 March.