LAGOS/Nigeria: The Lagos Water Corporation (LWC) has raised concerns over uncoordinated borehole drilling in the state, warning that growing dependence on individual groundwater sources could have implications for underground water resources and the environment.
The issue featured prominently when the Managing Director of the Corporation, Engr. Mukhtaar Temitope Tijani, led a delegation of senior officials on a familiarisation visit to the Lagos office of Julius Berger Nigeria Plc at Ijora on Wednesday, August 12, 2026.
The discussion brought water infrastructure, groundwater management and the interaction between urban development and existing water networks into focus as the two organisations explored areas for closer technical engagement.
The LWC delegation stressed the importance of strengthening reliable public water supply systems as part of efforts to reduce dependence on individual boreholes and promote more sustainable access to potable water.
The Corporation also highlighted the need for better information on existing water pipelines, particularly as road construction and other urban development projects expand across Lagos.
According to the delegation, accurate information on the location of water infrastructure is essential for planning projects and reducing the possibility of construction activities interfering with existing networks.
The meeting also examined the need for early technical communication between infrastructure operators and contractors before construction work begins.
Julius Berger’s Regional Commercial Manager, Region West, Mr. Alexander Bauer, stressed the importance of early stakeholder engagement and proper technical coordination, saying the company remained committed to sustainable engineering solutions rather than temporary measures.
The two organisations discussed access to project drawings and other technical information that could assist planning. Julius Berger explained that the release of detailed project drawings and plans is subject to approval by the relevant project client.
The parties consequently identified engagement with the Lagos State Government as necessary to facilitate appropriate approvals and improve technical cooperation.
Beyond water supply and construction issues, the meeting also considered information sharing on road conditions, construction schedules and activities that could potentially affect surrounding infrastructure and communities.
Security and community considerations were also discussed, with Julius Berger outlining its engagement with relevant authorities on security infrastructure within the area.
Tijani described the visit as a familiarisation and neighbourly engagement intended to improve understanding between the two organisations and create opportunities for future collaboration.
He stressed the importance of maintaining constructive relationships with organisations operating within the same environment, particularly where their activities have the potential to affect one another.
The engagement provides a platform for LWC and Julius Berger to continue discussions around water infrastructure protection, sustainable water supply and the coordination of infrastructure development in Lagos.
