This revelation was made by the Permanent Secretary of the Office of Drainage Services and Water Resources, Mahmood Adegbite, during a recent stakeholders’ engagement held in the state.
Adegbite disclosed that the infiltration of untreated wastewater into underground water sources—particularly in the Lekki axis—poses severe health risks. He did not mince words when he said, “Everyone digging boreholes within the Lekki axis is probably drinking what I will call ‘shit water.’”
He explained that the ongoing issue is being exacerbated by heavy rainfall, which has overwhelmed drainage infrastructure and increased the risk of contamination. According to him, untreated sewage could be seeping into the same aquifers residents rely on for domestic water use.
“The government is making efforts to develop a comprehensive wastewater treatment system in the area. If we are able to treat all the wastewater within this axis, we should be able to eradicate any form of disease that might result from non-treatment,” Adegbite stated.
He further expressed concern over recent flooding incidents, noting that the downpours occurring during
what should be the August break are unusual.“Yesterday, it rained heavily, which is unusual because this is supposed to be the August break. However, we started having it due to a lot of complex environmental issues. Despite significant investments in drainage, much more still needs to be done,” he said.
Environmental and health experts have long warned of Lagos’ vulnerability to groundwater pollution, especially with its rapidly growing population and lack of centralised sewage systems. A 2023 report by the Nigerian Society of Engineers revealed that over 70 percent of households in Lagos depend on borehole water, with only a small percentage treating their water before use.
The current situation is further complicated by widespread flooding, particularly in Lekki and other high-density urban areas. The recent rains have led to the destruction of properties worth billions of Naira and have left many residents in fear of potential disease outbreaks.
Health authorities have reiterated the dangers of poor sanitation practices and indiscriminate sewage disposal, stressing the increased risk of waterborne diseases such as cholera, typhoid, and dysentery in flood-prone communities.
The Lagos State Government is urging residents to prioritise water treatment and hygiene practices while it accelerates efforts to address both drainage and wastewater challenges across the state.
