The Lagos State Water Regulatory Commission (LASWARCO) has taken a significant step towards improving the regulation of packaged water production in the state with the launch of a mobile app. The app, which was unveiled today 16th of July, aims to digitalize the commission’s operations with packaged water producers, improve the interface between the commission and water producers, and ensure the safety of potable water for consumption.

According to Mrs Funke Adepoju, the Executive Secretary for the Lagos State Water Regulatory Commission (LASWARCO), the app will enable the registration of over 2,000 water producers in Lagos, automate the monitoring process, and provide a data bank for easy access to information. “With the app, producers can register and obtain permits electronically, schedule inspections, and download their permits and licenses,” she explained.

The commission’s move is aimed at addressing the huge gap between demand and supply for water in Lagos, a city of over 23 million people. Mrs. Adepoju noted that the recent outbreak of cholera, which is a water and sanitation issue, highlights the importance of ensuring that packaged water producers serve potable water to consumers.

The app will generate a unique ID number for producers, which will be displayed on packaged water soon. This will provide an additional level of safety for consumers, who will be able to verify the authenticity of packaged water products.

The launch of the app is a significant milestone in LASWARCO’s efforts to regulate packaged water production in Lagos State. The commission is responsible for regulating all activities that impact on groundwater and the activities of packaged and bottled water producers in the state, including beverages.

Mrs. Adepoju emphasized that the app is not intended to generate revenue but to ensure that packaged water producers comply with regulatory provisions and good manufacturing practices. “We want to ensure that what producers are serving us is potable water. The app will help us achieve this goal,” she said.

In conclusion, the Lagos State Water Regulatory Commission’s mobile app is a significant step towards improving the regulation of packaged water production in Lagos State, ensuring the safety of drinking water for its over 23 million residents.

Engr. Rotimi Akodu, Special Adviser to the Governor on Environment, Drainage and Water Resources, he emphasized the importance of leveraging technology to enhance governance and service delivery. “From this idea of this app that we’re launched today in Lagos is not just a mega city, it’s become a smart city,” he said. “What we have now globally is taking everything to that smart level, the era where everybody comes physically, the interface is gone.

The app is designed to provide a digital platform for water producers to interact with the government, renew licenses, and address challenges. “The app leads us to a faceless interface, where we can interact daily without physical meetings,” Akodu explained. “It’s a win-win situation, making business easier, more productive, and seamless for everybody.

According to the Permanent Secretary, Office of Drainage Services and Water Resources, Engr. Adegbite Olakunle, the app is designed to ensure that water producers are held accountable for the quality of water they produce. “We need to know who is giving us water and where it is coming from,” he said. “If we don’t know, it’s dangerous. With this app, we can trace the source of water and ensure it’s safe for consumption.”

The app will also enable the Government to monitor pipes and ensure they are not contaminated with household waste. “We will have zero tolerance for any pipes within the drinkable water system,” Engr Olakunle warned. “All pipes will have to be certified safe.”

The launch of the app is a significant step towards ensuring public safety in Lagos State. He assured citizens that it is committed to providing safe drinking water and will continue to work towards achieving this goal.

The Country Director of WaterAid Nigeria, Evelyn Mere represented by Dr. Adebayo Alao, Congratulated LASWARCO and the Ministry of Environment and Water Resources on the launch of a mobile app to regulate water production and distribution in Lagos State.

Mere commended LASWARCO for laying the foundation for effective regulation, emphasizing that Lagos’ success in the water sanitation sector will set a precedent for the entire country. She urged the regulator to focus on three fundamental principles: affordability, reliability, and quality.

Mere stressed that water and sanitation are fundamental human rights, and regulation must ensure services are affordable, reliable, and meet quality standards. She highlighted the importance of environmental regulation, citing the recent cholera outbreak in Lagos, and emphasized the need for regulation to encompass sanitation and wastewater management.

The National President of the Association of Table Water Producers (ATWAP), Mrs. Clementine Achimwe, commended the Lagos State Government for launching a mobile app to regulate water production and distribution in the state. She emphasized the importance of collaboration between environmental services and water production, noting that waterborne diseases are often environmentally related.

Achimwe stressed the need for wholesome water production and responsible waste disposal, highlighting the role of regulatory agencies in ensuring quality and safety standards. She advocated for a one-stop shop approach, where all water production-related activities are monitored and regulated by the Water Regulatory Commission, eliminating the need for multiple agency visits.

The ATWAP President welcomed the app launch, noting that it will facilitate data collection and tracing of over 2,000 water producers in Lagos State, enabling effective regulation and monitoring. She emphasized the association’s commitment to providing accurate information to support the agency’s efforts.

The Chairperson of the Association of Table Water Producers (ATWAP) in Lagos State, Mrs. Omolabake Mosaku, reiterated the association’s commitment to working with regulatory bodies to ensure the growth and success of the table water industry in Lagos State.

She stated that ATWAP is not afraid of regulatory bodies, but rather sees them as essential partners in ensuring the industry’s prosperity. She encouraged her members to cooperate with regulatory agencies, noting that it is crucial for their businesses to thrive.

Mosaku acknowledged the challenges faced by the industry, including the proliferation of unregulated producers, but expressed optimism that with the support of regulatory bodies, the industry can overcome these challenges. She announced that over 600 producers have already registered with the association, demonstrating their commitment to regulation and self-regulation.

The ATWAP Chairperson assured that the association has mechanisms in place to self-regulate and sensitize its members, ensuring that only genuine producers operate in the industry. She urged her members to support regulatory efforts, emphasizing that it is essential for the growth and success of their businesses and the industry as a whole.

Dr. Omobolaji Gaji, Permanent Secretary of the Office of Environmental Services, thanked attendees for their support and encouraged feedback to improve the app’s effectiveness.

“We will value your input, whether positive or negative, to enhance our services and ensure a seamless experience for businesses and the public,” Dr. Gaji said. “Our goal is to facilitate ease of doing business while prioritizing public health and safety.”