WaterAid Donates Laboratory Equipment to Boost Water Quality Monitoring in Lagos

 

By Kayode Olopade 

In a major step towards improving public health and environmental safety in Lagos State, WaterAid Nigeria, in collaboration with Cummis Incorporation, has donated essential laboratory equipment and consumables to the Lagos State Water Regulatory Commission (LASWARCO) to enhance water quality monitoring and regulation across the state.

The donation ceremony, held at LASWARCO’s conference room in Alausa, Ikeja, was themed “Enhancing Water Quality Monitoring and Regulation through Partnership.” The event underscored the importance of public-private collaboration in strengthening institutional capacity to deliver safe and sustainable water services.

Speaking at the occasion, the Permanent Secretary, Office of Drainage Services and Water Resources, Engr. Mahamood Olakunle Adegbite, described the partnership with WaterAid as a strategic support mechanism that aligns with the Lagos State Government’s vision of universal access to safe and clean water.

“This partnership further strengthens our commitment to provide quality water services and promote a healthy living environment for all Lagosians. The donated laboratory equipment will enable LASWARCO to conduct more accurate and timely water quality testing, thereby safeguarding public health,” Engr. Adegbite stated.

He emphasized the government’s continued investment in public health infrastructure and institutional development, adding that partnerships such as this are vital in sustaining the momentum towards achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly Goal 6 which centers on clean water and sanitation.

Also speaking at the event, Director of Technical Services at LASWARCO, Mr. Idowu Olowu, expressed appreciation to WaterAid and Cummis Incorporation for their timely intervention. He noted that the equipment would greatly enhance the Commission’s technical capability to monitor, analyze, and ensure compliance with water quality standards across the state.

“As a regulatory body, we are constantly working to ensure that water supplied to residents meets acceptable safety benchmarks. With this new set of laboratory tools, we can improve our fieldwork, testing precision, and regulatory oversight,” Olowu remarked.

In his remarks, Lagos State Programme Lead for WaterAid Nigeria, Dr. Adebayo Alao, said the initiative was part of WaterAid’s ongoing commitment to support government efforts aimed at improving access to clean water and sanitation services.

 “Access to safe water is not just a development goal, it is a fundamental human right. By supporting LASWARCO with this donation, we are reinforcing our mission to work with institutions and communities to improve water quality and ultimately public health,” Dr. Alao said.

He acknowledged the technical collaboration with Cummis Incorporation, a firm known for its expertise in water quality testing and monitoring solutions, stating that their partnership has added value to the intervention.

Dr. Alao further urged LASWARCO to continue its drive towards enforcing compliance with global water safety standards, while encouraging other stakeholders to join in supporting critical sectors that directly affect the health and well-being of citizens.

The event drew attendance from top officials of the Ministry of the Environment and Water Resources, LASWARCO, WaterAid Nigeria, and Cummis Incorporation, who all reaffirmed their shared vision for sustainable water regulation and environmental stewardship.

As water-related health risks continue to threaten urban populations, especially in densely populated cities like Lagos, this collaborative gesture is seen as a significant boost to the state’s effort to provide safe drinking water and protect residents from waterborne diseases