Lagos Government Warns Lekki Residents May Be Drinking Contaminated Borehole Water

The Lagos State Government has issued a stark warning to residents in the Lekki area, raising concerns over the possible contamination of underground water sources due to untreated wastewater.

Mahmood Adegbite, Permanent Secretary of the Office of Drainage Services and Water Resources, raised the alarm during a recent stakeholders’ meeting. He revealed that untreated sewage is seeping into the water table, potentially exposing thousands of residents who rely on boreholes to serious health risks.

“Everyone digging boreholes within the Lekki axis is probably drinking what I will call ‘shit water,’” Adegbite stated bluntly.

He added that the state has plans in place to begin comprehensive wastewater treatment in the area, which he said would significantly reduce the risk of disease outbreaks linked to contaminated water.

Adegbite emphasized the urgent need for infrastructure upgrades, especially in wastewater management, to protect public health. He also highlighted the connection between poor sanitation and the spread of waterborne illnesses.

Turning to the issue of urban flooding, Adegbite said the state still faces major environmental challenges.

“Yesterday, it rained heavily, which is unusual because this is supposed to be August break. However, we started having it because of a lot of complex issues,” he explained. “Despite the massive investments we’ve made, there’s still much work to be done in tackling flooding across Lagos.”