The Permanent Secretary of the Office of Drainage Services and Water Resources in Lagos State, Mahmood Adegbite, has raised alarm over the quality of borehole water being consumed in the Lekki axis, warning that many residents are likely drinking contaminated water.
Speaking during a recent stakeholders meeting, Adegbite described untreated wastewater in the area as a serious public health risk.
“Everyone digging boreholes within the Lekki axis is probably drinking what I will call ‘shit water,’” he said bluntly.
He explained that the contamination stems from untreated wastewater seeping into underground water sources, but added that the state government has plans to address the issue through proper wastewater treatment infrastructure.
“If we are able to treat all the wastewater within this axis—which we have plans for—we should be able to eradicate any form of disease that might result from non-treatment,” he said.
Adegbite also acknowledged the ongoing challenge of flooding in Lagos, noting that more investment is needed despite the efforts already made.
“Yesterday, it rained heavily, which is unusual because this is supposed to be the August break. However, we are experiencing it due to a lot of complex issues. Despite the substantial commitment so far, we still have a lot to do to address flooding,” he added.