WORLD WATER DAY: AMBODE CANVASSES WATER PRESERVATION FOR HEALTHY LIVING

In commemoration of the annual world water day celebration as declared by United Nations, Governor of Lagos State, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode has called on residents of the State and stakeholders in the water industry to collectively prevent a shortage of water supply and curb the spread of diseases.

Ambode, represented by the Commissioner for the Environment, Mr. Babatunde Durosimi-Etti at the 2018 edition of the celebration themed: “Nature for Water” at Excellence Hotel, Ikeja said the increasing population growth across the globe has made sustainable water supply more demanding, hence the need to see adequate water provision as a collective responsibility.

He explained that the daily water needs of residents of the State is huge and calls for the implementation of strategies beyond the quick-fix solutions for short-term gains instead of identifying long-term solutions.

Ambode noted that the need for quality water has therefore made it essential to embrace natural measures of tree planting to replenish the environment, restoration of wetlands, rebalancing water cycles and mitigation of climate change effects to improve healthy living.

“We all have important roles to play. It is the responsibility of every citizen around the globe to be a part of this campaign as part of efforts to ensure a sustainable and a healthy environment for future generations”, he stated.

While noting that natural based solutions will help meet the needs of quality water for the increasing population of the world, the Governor assured stakeholders in the water sector and residents of the State that mechanisms and measures to improve production of adequate potable water are already in place across the State.

Earlier, the Executive Secretary, Lagos State Water Regulatory Commission, Arc. Ahmed Kabiru Abdullahi said that the occasion was to reflect and reaffirm the importance of water preservation and its ripple effect on healthy living.

He explained that the statistics of people lacking access to safely managed drinking water across the world shows that consistent efforts must be made to prevent all forms of indiscriminate, untoward degradation and pollution of various water sources.

The Executive Secretary said the Governor Akinwunmi Ambode-led administration is committed to ensuring the preservation, maintenance and expansion of water sources as prescribed by the United Nations.

According to him, “Government is committed to creating the right environment that will enable our communities to be more physically active, socially connected, happier and healthier with the provision of safe, clean and reachable water.”