Water Regulation: Lagos warns against breach of regulatory provisions, unauthorised abstraction of groundwater
The Lagos State Water Regulatory Commission (LASWARCO) has issued a Serious and strict warning to individuals and organizations abstracting groundwater without authorization, posing significant risks to the environment and public health.
This warning was given during a press conference held by LASWARCO, and addressed by the Honorable Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab
Wahab maintained that the environmental protection law is empowered to regulate all activities impacting groundwater and has thus classified unauthorised groundwater abstraction and opening without a license as offenses under the law
The Commissioner emphasized that LASWARCO has commenced enforcement of regulatory compliance, emphasizing the importance of promoting sustainable groundwater management and reducing over-extraction.
He informed journalists that letters containing a 72-hour ultimatum, which began last week, will still continue, added that the agency will not hesitate to penalize those who refuse to comply with the aim and objectives of
the Commission to promote sustainable practices, reduce over-extraction, and ensure fair and transparent regulation of the water sector in Lagos State.
“According to the Environmental Management Protection Law (EMPL) 2017, LASWARCO is empowered to regulate all activities impacting groundwater and has classified unauthorized groundwater abstraction and operating without a license as offenses under the law”, he said.
He specifically mentioned that despite a 75% waiver on groundwater granted by the Governor in 2020, only a few bottling companies like 7UP, CWAY and La Casera, as well as the hotel owners association were fully compliant
“Despite a 75% waiver on groundwater abstraction concessions granted by the Governor in 2020, only a few bottling companies, such as 7 UP, CWAY, and La Casera, and the Hotel Owners Association were fully compliant”, Wahab said
LASWARCO’s Executive Secretary, Mrs. Funke Adepoju, has been tasked to head the enforcement team, responsible for ensuring that all defaulters are identified and compelled to comply with regulatory requirements.
She said that the Lagos State Government is committed to protecting the environment and public health.
“We urge all stakeholders to cooperate with LASWARCO to ensure sustainable groundwater management”, Adepoju added.
