By Olasunkanmi Akoni,

Lagos—Governor  Akinwunmi Ambode of Lagos State has assured residents of his administration’s resolve to exceed the projected 733 million gallons of water supply for residents of the state by 2020.

Ambode said the present administration is collaborating with both local and international investors under its Public Private Partnership initiative, in addition to the expansion of its existing water works and creation of additional water works to make water supply adequate for its residents.

Ambode, represented by Commissioner for Environment, Mr. Babatunde Adejare, gave the assurance in his speech at the 2016 World Water Day celebration, themed; “Water and Jobs”.

The governor, who acknowledged the deficit in supply of water to residents, said  the intention of government was to discourage the drilling of boreholes by individuals because of its inherent danger and risk to the environment.

He said that the cost of drilling boreholes or patronizing illegal water sellers was far more expensive and dangerous compared to getting water from the government.

While assuring that the 2020  target for adequate water supply for residents of the state is very achievable, Ambode maintained that the cost of building water works runs into billions of Naira hence, the need for corporate organisations to assist government in meeting the water needs of over 21 million residents.

Earlier, the Executive Secretary of Lagos State Water Regulatory Commission, Arc. Ahmed Abdullahi said that the yearly programme provides government the opportunity to draw the attention of concerned stakeholders and the general public to the importance of fresh water and how the limited potable water made available by government could be sustainably conserved.