Mahmood Adegbite, the Permanent Secretary of the Office of Drainage Services and Water Resources in Lagos State, has issued a serious health warning concerning untreated borehole water in the Lekki axis. He made the statement during a recent stakeholders meeting, stressing the urgent need for wastewater treatment in the area.
“Lekki Residents May Be Drinking Contaminated Wastewater” – Adegbite
Speaking candidly at the forum, Adegbite said,
“Everyone digging boreholes within the Lekki axis is probably drinking what I will call ‘shit water.’”
According to him, the lack of proper wastewater treatment facilities in Lekki has led to seepage and contamination of underground water sources. This poses a significant public health risk, especially for families and businesses that rely on boreholes as their primary water supply.
Health Risks Loom Without Proper Wastewater Treatment
Adegbite emphasized that treating wastewater in Lekki and other high-density urban locations is critical to preventing the spread of waterborne diseases.
“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 of our waste,” he explained.
He also revealed that the state government is actively developing wastewater infrastructure plans aimed at reducing contamination and improving water quality.
Flooding in Lagos Still a Major Concern
Addressing the broader issue of environmental management, Adegbite touched on Lagos State’s persistent flood challenges, which continue despite heavy investments.
He noted that recent heavy rainfall — occurring during what should have been the August break — is a sign of deeper, more complex environmental issues affecting the state.
“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 said.
“Despite the fact that we have committed so much to tackling flooding, we still have a long way to go in that space.”
Government Urges Public Cooperation
The Lagos State Government continues to call for residents’ support in ensuring responsible environmental practices. Proper waste disposal, reduced blockage of drainage channels, and a shift to eco-conscious habits are key parts of the state’s strategy to tackle both flooding and water contamination.
