October 23, 2024
By Samuel Ogunsona
The Corporate Accountability and Public Participation Africa (CAPPA) and the Our Water Our Right Africa Coalition (OWORAC) have teamed up to organize the Community Water Parliament, a pivotal event marking the fourth Africa Week of Action against Water Privatization.
The event, held on Wednesday, October 23, 2024, at 1A, Adekunle Owobiyi Close, Opposite Government Quarters Estate, Ogba Phase II, Lagos State, aimed to bridge the gap between communities and water authorities, providing a platform for citizens to voice their demands and aspirations for improved water governance.
Speaking at the event, CAPPA’s Executive Director, Akinbode Okuwafemi, shed light on the devastating impact of government neocolonialism policies on Nigerians, citing examples of how these policies have perpetuated inequality and marginalized vulnerable groups. Okuwafemi also addressed the looming threat of water privatization, emphasizing the need for public water management.
Gideon Adeyeni, CAPPA’s community mobilizer, stressed the importance of community-led water governance, highlighting the benefits of local involvement in decision-making. “When communities are involved, they can take ownership of and responsibly manage water resources,” Adeyeni noted.
He added that this approach prevents conflicts and ensures the needs of marginalized groups are heard.
“There is an urgent need to situate communities at the heart of water governance. Involving local communities in water governance is essential as communities have a deep understanding of their local water system which can inform more effective and sustainable water management solutions.
“It is established that when communities are involved in decision-making, they can take ownership of and responsibly manage water resources, and it guarantees that the needs and voices of all community members, especially marginalized groups, are heard and addressed. Also, conflicts over water resources are easily prevented and resolved as cooperation is fostered among community members.” He added.
The divisional director of customer and community engagement at Lagos Water Corporation, Peju Ishola, expressed gratitude to CAPPA for organizing the event and shared insights into the Lagos state government’s efforts to restructure water cooperation.
Also, Akoku Olugbenga, a representative from Mafoluku Oshodi, highlighted the dire consequences of polluted water in his community. “The devastating impact of contaminated water has been crippling our community,” Olugbenga emphasized.
“To address this, we urgently need a closer collaboration with Lagos State water cooperation bodies to ensure access to clean, safe, and affordable water.” He stated.
Olugbenga’s plea resonated with attendees, underscoring the need for community-led water governance and meaningful partnerships between communities and water authorities.
However, the event drew attendees from community representatives across Lagos and Lagos water cooperations.
CAPPA and OWORAC aim to promote public water management and advocate for the rights of marginalized groups to access safe and affordable water.
The event’s timing is crucial, given the recent Supreme Court ruling clarifying the National Inland Waterways Authority’s (NIWA) role as the singular regulatory body for Nigeria’s inland waterways.
As the Africa Week of Action continues, CAPPA and OWORAC will likely push for increased transparency and accountability in water management, emphasizing the importance of community-led initiatives and public water management.
