The Ikorodu North Local Council Development Area (LCDA), on Thursday, inaugurated three solar-powered water facilities for three communities.
It also inaugurated a toilet facility at the Farm Settlement Primary School, Ikorodu.
The five-cubicle toilet is friendly to females and the physically challenged.
The council inaugurated the facilities in collaboration with the Lagos State Government and WaterAid Nigeria with the support of Microsoft.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the water facilities was inaugurated at Irepodun, Arobiona and Agbede communities.
The council also initiated female Local Area Mechanics (LAM) for the maintenance and repair of the solar panels.
At the event, Lagos State Commissioner for Basic and Secondary Education, Mr Jamiu Alli-Balogun, said that access to clean water was important for the general well-being of communities.
AllI-Balogun was represented by Mr Omotayo Laiyemo, Tutor-General and Permanent Secretary, Education District Two, Lagos State.
The commissioner added that the state government had institutionalised a strong maintenance culture.
“Maintenance is embedded within government structures, from local councils to state institutions, ensuring that projects in schools and communities are consistently preserved,” he said.
He thanked WaterAid Nigeria for efforts, emphasising that access to free and clean water would reduce daily expenses, improve living standards, and reduce poverty.
In his remarks, the Chairman of Ikorodu North LCDA, Mr Ameen Apanishile, said that the project was aimed to ensure clean, safe and sustainable water supply for the communities.
Apanishile commended WaterAid Nigeria for commitment to providing water facilities, adding that the initiative had transformed lives and set a benchmark for corporate and humanitarian responsibility.
“No fewer than 54,000 residents will benefit from the water project.
“As we inaugurate this project, let it serve as a reminder of our shared responsibility to safeguard it for sustainable use for present and future generations,” the chairman said.
Earlier, the Country Director of WaterAid, Mrs Evelyn Mere, said the facilities were designed to provide sustainable, reliable and affordable Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) services to the communities.
The country director was represented by WaterAid Nigeria’s Head of Advocacy Policy and Communication, Mr Kolawole Banwo.
Mere said: ‘’WaterAid Nigeria, with support from Microsoft, has provided basic access to clean water for no fewer than 35,943 people and 1,430 persons with safely-managed sanitation services.
‘’Also, the organisation has reached more than 1,864 people with hygiene services.’’
She urged the LCDA to prioritise sustainability by allocating resources for maintenance of the facilities.
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She also called on Lagos State Universal Basic Education Board to replicate such models across the state with effective oversight and support.
Mere appealed to school-based management committees and other stakeholders to take ownership of the facilities for sustainability.
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