Mkpoikana Udoma
Port Harcourt — The Corporate Accountability and Public Participation Africa, CAPPA, has accused the Lagos State Government of sidestepping transparency and public accountability following the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding, MoU, with the Belstar/ENKA consortium to rehabilitate and expand the state’s water infrastructure.
In a strongly worded statement, CAPPA described the deal as “deeply troubling” and “symptomatic of a broader pattern of opacity in public water governance in Lagos State.”
Akinbode Oluwafemi, Executive Director of CAPPA, in the statement raised several red flags about the agreement, including the identities and track records of the contractors involved, the terms and cost of the contract, as well as the role of the Lagos Water Corporation.
“That this agreement was conceived of and finalised behind closed doors, then simply announced to the public, is an affront to the very notion of a democratically accountable government.
“More than just a utility, water provision is a fundamental public service and essential good. Therefore, any contracts or agreements that affect its delivery, affordability, and quality must be subjected to the highest standards of transparency and public accountability.
“What exactly are the projects covered? Which waterworks, treatment facilities, and distribution networks are targeted? What is the contract’s total cost? What areas will benefit? Will Lagosians pay more for water once the projects are completed?” the statement queried.
CAPPA also criticised the government for failing to hold public consultations or secure legislative scrutiny before proceeding with the deal.
“It is unacceptable that a project of such critical public importance is shrouded in secrecy. Lagosians have a right to know the terms of agreements that affect their daily lives,” the organisation said.
The group called for the immediate publication of the full text of the MoU, including annexes, financial arrangements, and project timelines. It also demanded a public stakeholder forum with civil society, labour, and media to discuss the scope and implications of the deal.
“We reiterate that the path to water resilience for Lagos State cannot and must not be dictated by corporate interests,” CAPPA said, urging the government to recommit to publicly owned, democratically managed water infrastructure.
