Scientists from Purdue University (US) have found that, in a few years, West Africa, South Asia and the Midwest in the US will become dangerous for human life due to climate change.
Heat stress
West Africa and parts of South Asia are among the most vulnerable, according to the research – regions which have very dense populations and often little access to air conditioning.
Richer countries will fare better but will not escape unscathed. Hotspots of extreme humid heat will emerge in parts of the US, including the Midwest, as global warming ticks up, the study found.
Today’s searing-hot summers will likely seem cool by future standards, and the heat we experience is changing in ways that are not in our favour.
Extreme, humid heat is persisting at nighttime, depriving the body of vital time to recuperate.
And we can expect more back-to-back heat waves, slamming regions with successive cycles of brutal heat, said Jane Baldwin, assistant professor of Earth system science at the University of California Irvine.
Heat already kills an estimated 489,000 people each year, according to the World Health Organisation, but the real toll could be higher because heat-related deaths are so hard to track.
Deaths may be attributed to heart attacks or strokes, with no reference to the fact they happened during a scorching heat wave.
“We’re absolutely undercounting in a serious way,” said Bharat Venkat, director of the UCLA Heat Lab.
Every week of summer brings more stories of people like the ultra-marathon runner Philip Kreycik, whose tragic, early deaths are entirely preventable.
Heat lacks the blunt force of a hurricane, the scorched earth of a wildfire or the sweeping devastation of a flood – all of which leave a visible and immediate trail of devastation, destroying homes, tearing up roads and flattening towns.
Instead, heat is a creeping threat, a steady hum in the background. Its worst damage is not to property but to our bodies, Venkat said. And it is an “invisible, silent killer.”
A well-known Mexican newspaper Milenio has published an article about the 29th session of the Conference of the Parties to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP29), which will be held in November 2024 in Azerbaijan.
Baku in Azerbaijan hosts COP29 in November 2024
According to the Azerbaijani Embassy in Mexico, the author said this year marks an important stage in the global fight against climate change, emphasising that Azerbaijan, located at the intersection of Europe and Asia, demonstrates a strong commitment to sustainability and transition to a low-carbon economy.
According to the author, it is gratifying to see how in today’s volatile and turbulent world, Azerbaijan, famous for its inclusiveness and multiculturalism, which chaired the Non-Aligned Movement and is active in many issues on the international arena, is taking a step forward in addressing such an existential problem as climate change and receives great support from the international community.
Speaking about Azerbaijan’s leadership in this context, despite the oil industry, the author stated that the serious approach of such countries to the problem of climate change gives hope. The author noted that Azerbaijan has made significant progress in the field of sustainability, invests in renewable energy sources, in particular solar and wind energy, and makes appropriate decisions to reduce dependence on fossil fuels, becoming a regional leader in clean energy thanks to its strategic location and important natural resources.
The author recalled that the wind energy potential of the Caspian Sea is about 157 GW. The article states that Azerbaijan is a country with great potential in terms of renewable energy sources and technical capabilities, where solar (Garadagh, Shafag) and wind (Khizi-Absheron) stations have recently been built, and additional wind and hydroelectric power projects are being implemented.
The article emphasised that these initiatives reflect Azerbaijan’s commitment to expand renewable electricity generation capacity as part of a strategy to achieve a 30 percent renewable energy share in electricity production by 2030.
Regarding Mexico’s position on climate change, the author noted that, under the leadership of the newly elected president of the country, active environmental advocate Claudia Sheinbaum, the country attaches great importance to its climate change commitments. The author stated that Mexico, as an important actor on the international arena and a member of the G20, given its good bilateral relations with Azerbaijan, can demonstrate its commitment and active participation in this important issue, and that both countries face similar challenges in adapting to climate change and transitioning to renewable energy sources.
The author also emphasised the importance of developed countries’ financial assistance to developing countries to implement strategies to mitigate and adapt to climate change. Recalling that Mexico is largely vulnerable to the effects of climate change, the author spoke about the possibility for the country and other developing states to benefit from climate financing that will be discussed at COP29.
“This funding is crucial for green infrastructure projects, renewable energy sources and climate resilience programmes. The COP29 agenda will include discussions on climate finance mechanisms, implementation of the Paris Agreement and international cooperation to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and is expected to address topics such as climate justice, resilience of vulnerable communities and technological innovations to combat climate change,” the article says.
In conclusion, regarding Mexican-Azerbaijani ties, the author notes that relations between the two countries are strengthening, and the two countries share common interests in areas such as education, culture and especially environmental protection. The author emphasises that cooperation on sustainable development projects can benefit both countries in terms of knowledge exchange and green technologies.
“COP29, which will be held in Azerbaijan, is a unique opportunity for countries to reaffirm their commitment to the climate agenda and cooperation in innovative solutions. This conference will be an important platform for Mexico under the leadership of Sheinbaum to once again reaffirm its commitment to environmental issues and explore new opportunities for international cooperation,” the article notes.
As the landscape of nicotine and tobacco products evolves, traditional tobacco control policies are increasingly challenged by the emergence of new products, such as e-cigarettes, nicotine pouches, and heat-not-burn devices. These products, while still delivering nicotine, often present different health risks compared to conventional tobacco products. This has led to calls for separate policies addressing nicotine and tobacco, recognising their distinct characteristics and potential impacts on public health.
Nicotine and Tobacco
Nicotine, while addictive, is not the primary cause of tobacco-related diseases such as cancer, heart disease, and respiratory conditions. These health issues are largely linked to the combustion process in smoking, which releases harmful toxins. Therefore, products that deliver nicotine without combustion, such as e-cigarettes and nicotine pouches, are generally considered to pose a lower risk than traditional cigarettes.
This distinction suggests that a one-size-fits-all approach to regulation may not be appropriate. Separate policies for nicotine and tobacco could allow for more nuanced regulation, taking into account the specific risks and benefits of different products.
Why Separate Nicotine Policy is Necessary
The Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC) recommends stringent tobacco control measures, such as high taxes and advertising bans. However, these measures may not be entirely practical for African smokers, particularly given the rise of emerging nicotine products like e-cigarettes and nicotine pouches. Many African countries lack comprehensive cessation support and resources, making it challenging for smokers to quit. Additionally, overly restrictive regulations on reduced-risk nicotine products could limit access to potentially less harmful alternatives, which are crucial for harm reduction in regions with limited healthcare infrastructure.
Differentiating between nicotine and tobacco products can enable risk-proportionate regulation. For instance, less harmful nicotine products might be regulated to minimize youth access and prevent non-smokers from initiating use, while still allowing adult smokers access as a harm reduction tool. In contrast, more stringent regulations might be applied to combustible tobacco products due to their higher risk profile.
A separate nicotine policy could support public health goals by promoting safer alternatives for current smokers. By providing a clear regulatory pathway for reduced-risk nicotine products, governments can encourage smokers to switch from combustible tobacco to less harmful options. This approach is aligned with harm reduction principles, which aim to reduce the negative health impacts of harmful behaviors without necessarily requiring total abstinence.
The nicotine market is rapidly innovating, with new products emerging that offer varying levels of harm reduction potential. A dedicated nicotine policy can facilitate the responsible introduction and oversight of these products, ensuring they meet safety standards while allowing for consumer choice. It can also provide a framework for research and public education on the relative risks of different nicotine products.
Clear distinctions in policy can help improve public understanding of the risks associated with different products. Misinformation about nicotine and its health impacts can lead to misconceptions that all nicotine products are equally harmful. By separating policies, governments can more effectively communicate accurate information, helping consumers make informed decisions.
The evolving nature of nicotine and tobacco products necessitates a rethinking of traditional tobacco control frameworks. By implementing a separate nicotine policy, governments can better address these products’ distinct risks and benefits, promoting public health through harm reduction and informed consumer choice. This approach reflects the scientific understanding of nicotine and tobacco risks and aligns with the principles of modern public health policy.
By Joseph Magero, Chair, Campaign for Safer Alternatives
A rare opportunity to see soil from the moon in person captivated crowds as the lunar sample from China’s Chang’e-5 mission was under the spotlight in Bangkok.
China’s Chang’e-5 mission
The lunar sample was featured as one of highlights at Sci Power for Future Thailand Fair that concluded on Sunday, July 28, 2024.
This is due to under collaboration between the National Astronomical Research Institute of Thailand (NARIT) and the China National Space Administration (CNSA).
Enclosed in a rotating crystal sphere, the 75-milligram sample named “The Moon Shines Bright on Me’’ invited visitors on a microscopic journey to the moon’s surface and they marvelled at the extraterrestrial material up close.
Experiencing the mysterious substance for the first time, elementary school student Tannya Neesanant was filled with excitement.
“The lunar sample’s unusual colour intrigued my curiosity, as it appeared to be sand rather than soil,’’ the seven-year-old told Xinhua.
The exhibit is a portion of samples that Chang’e-5 lunar probe collected, one of the most complicated and challenging missions in China’s aerospace history.
They are being able to get closer than ever to the moon really inspired people from diverse backgrounds who visited the display, particularly children.
They fuelled their passions for learning and pursuing their goals, said Suppawat Zhou, a staff member at the exhibition.
“It is truly rewarding to see visually impaired and deaf students learning about the exhibits through the interpretation from their teachers, which sparked their keen interest in astronomy, space and technology,’’ he added.
NARIT head Saran Poshyachinda said the exhibition also showcased advanced technologies Thailand had developed for astronomical research, such as an instrument designed to observe cosmic radiation and space weather.
Space weather from lunar perspective that would aboard China’s Chang’e-7 moon exploration mission as designed.
In April, China and Thailand signed two memorandums of understanding to cooperate on exploration and peaceful use of outer space as well as on an international lunar research station.
“We are looking forward to receiving lunar samples from the CNSA for our laboratory test.
“We can develop suitable instruments for future exploration on the moon’s surface.
“Collaboration with China is very crucial for developing our own capabilities and helping us to be in line with global leaders,’’ he said.
Widespread flooding has hit southern regions and states in Myanmar, displacing tens of thousands of people and submerging infrastructure facilities.
Flooding in Myanmar. Photo credit: AP Photo/Thein Zaw
The water levels of rivers in 13 towns across the four regions and states of Ayeyarwady, Bago, Mon, and Kayin in southern Myanmar have already surpassed their warning marks on Monday, July 29, 2024.
The report is according to the national weather agency reported as reported on Monday.
In Bago township of Bago region, a total of 18,210 people from 4,793 households had been evacuated due to flooding caused by continuous heavy rains in recent days.
The official daily The Mirror reported.
In Myawaddy township of Kayin state, 4,985 people from 370 households were taking shelter in 11 relief centres in the township due to the rise of Thaungyin River caused by incessant rains.
Railway tracks and highways in Ayeyarwady region and Mon state have been submerged, posing risks to travellers, while schools have been closed due to the floods.
In addition to the four regions and states in the Southeast Asian country, Taninthayi town in Taninthayi region experienced flooding on Sunday as a result of rising water levels of Taninthayi River.
It is caused by torrential rains, according to the report.
Local authorities, fire service personnel, and rescuers in the affected areas have been working together to evacuate residents and provide them with essential supplies such as food, drinking water, and shelter.
The Federal Government has ordered NNPC Limited (NNPCL) to sell crude oil to Dangote and other local refineries in naira.
Dangote Refinery
Mr Zacch Adedeji, Chairman, Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), said this while briefingState House correspondents at the end of the Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting on Monday, July 29, 2024.
He said NEC approved that sale of petroleum products to approved local petroleum marketing companies be conducted in naira at the same fixed exchange rate.
The proposal also includes a settlement bank (Afreximbank) facilitating both trades by providing guarantees to NNPCL to cover the payment risk of local refineries and to Nigerian commercial banks for the payment risk of petroleum marketing companies.
“This approach will eliminate the need for international letters of credit, saving Nigeria substantial amounts of dollars,” he said.
Adedeji said the refinery sector was approaching a steady state of operations and required approximately 15 crude cargoes per month, translating to an annual supply cost of $13.5 billion.
“NNPC Limited (NNPCL) has committed to supplying four crude oil cargoes monthly, leaving the remainder to be sourced from international traders.
“Currently, these transactions are conducted in dollars, significantly straining Nigeria’s foreign currency liquidity,” he said.
He explained that strategic intervention was required to leverage the Dangote Refinery to stabilise the naira and restore price stability.
“To manage the significant foreign exchange (FX) needs for local refineries and petroleum marketers, it is proposed that local refineries’ crude oil purchases from NNPCL be denominated in naira at a fixed exchange rate for a minimum period of six months,” Adedji said.
According to him, the benefits of the proposal include reduction in foreign exchange pressure, as the previous scenario utilised $660 million per month, totaling $7.92 billion annually.
“With the proposed scenario, expenditures are projected to decrease to $50 million per month, equating to $600 million annually.
“This reduction will significantly alleviate the pressure on foreign exchange reserves, leading to an annual savings of $7.32 billion representing 94 per cent,” he said.
Adedeji said there would be reduced trade finance costs with annual savings of $79 million in Letters of Credit costs through Afreximbank’s payment undertakings for bilateral trades.
“The benefits include stabilised petroleum product prices as the forward-selling of crude oil and refined products at a fixed exchange rate unaffected by exchange rate fluctuations will stabilise pump prices.
“Stabilising petroleum prices will likely drive the appreciation of the NGN, as petroleum imports account for 30 per cent of Nigeria’s FX demand.
“Stable petroleum prices will lower transportation costs, reducing food price inflation and positively impacting interest rates and dollar/naira exchange rates,” he said.
According to Adedji, this strategy will eliminate government control and drive independence of the market as it aims to eliminate government intervention in the management of domestic petroleum prices.
He said it would further facilitate competitiveness and allow greater market predictability and stability.
“This model, subject to the settlement bank’s (e.g., Afreximbank) credit approvals, can be replicated for other refineries, facilitating the trade of 445,000 barrels reserved for domestic consumption and achieving energy security.
“This further ensures that strategic reserves are pegged at tolerable prices driving improved economic stability,” Adedeji said.
The Centre for Transparency Advocacy (CTA) has said that, to mitigate climate change, there is the need to address methane emission.
Methane emission
Executive Director of the centre, Faith Nwadishi, made this known at a stakeholders and media roundtable on “Nigeria’s National Gas Plans for Non-Power Uses”.
The roundtable was organised by CTA in partnership with Natural Resource Governance Institute (NRGI).
She said that Methane was responsible for about 25 per cent of the human-caused global warming experienced today.
“It is over 80 times more effective at trapping heat in the atmosphere than carbon dioxide over a 20-year period.
“Therefore, addressing methane emissions is crucial in mitigating climate change and its impacts.”
Nwadishi said that reducing methane emission had multiple benefits including reducing a potent greenhouse gas, while adding that capturing and utilising methane could generate additional revenue streams.
She said that gas played a critical role in Nigeria’s energy strategy, especially in non-power sectors such as heating, cooking, industrial processes and as petrochemical feedstock.
“Nigeria’s ambitious climate targets aim to achieve net-zero emissions by 2060, and gas is considered a critical transition fuel in this endeavour.
“However, the viability and sustainability of using gas in non-power applications remain areas of significant concern and interest.”
Nwadishi added that it was essential to critically examine the technical and commercial viability, risks and emissions implications particularly methane emissions associated with these plans.
Programme Officer NRGI, Mr Ahmad Abdulsamad, said that there was the need to use gas to unlock the transport sector.
He said that the institute was trying to collectively highlight and mainstream issues ranging from risk of over investing in gas exploration, to see the way forward for Nigeria.
Dr Evans Okoro, Assistant Director, Development and Production at Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC), also made a remark at the event.
He said: “Every country is setting up plans for energy transition. Nigeria has a plan for that too. There is a lot of gas in the country.
“We have a reserve of over 209 trillion cubic feet of gas. Some of those gasses are used for power and non-power sources.”
He said that the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) encouraged the utilisation of domestic gas.
The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) says the Air Component of Operation Delta Safe destroyed 12 illegal refining sites and two reservoirs in airstrikes in Abia and Rivers states.
Illegal refining activities in the Niger Delta
The Director, Public Relations and Information, NAF, AVM Edward Gabkwet, who made this known in a statement on Sunday, July 28, 2024, in Abuja, said the NAF had intensified efforts to minimise the activities of oil thieves and other economic saboteurs in the Niger Delta.
He said that the armed reconnaissance undertaken by the aircraft revealed several illegal refining sites located in many fenced households at Umueze in Abia.
He said the information was subsequently relayed to ground troops for further exploitation and necessary action.
According to him, the illegal refining sites, which were subsequently destroyed, were observed hidden under thick vegetations around Owaza.
“Thereafter, the crew followed the river line down to Komkom and Okoloma in Rivers State, where nine illegal refining sites and two reservoirs were discovered and destroyed.
“In total, 12 illegal refining sites and two reservoirs were destroyed.
“The sighting of illegal refining sites in fenced living environments is indicative of the sophistry of the illegal oil refining trade that would require other means beyond air strikes to checkmate,” Gabwet said.
He said that those engaged in these acts, especially in fenced living environments, should be reminded that such illegal activities were dangerous to human lives and health as well as the environment.
“Be that as may, armed reconnaissance missions as well as destruction of illegal refining sites will continue unabated until crude oil theft and other forms of economic sabotage are reduced to the barest minimum,” he said.
King Charles III hosted Mukhtar Babayev, the Minister of Ecology of Azerbaijan and the President-designate of the 29th session of the Conference of the Parties to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP29), at Clarence House, the royal residence in Westminster on Friday, July 27, 2024.
King Charles III with Sultan Al Jaber, the President of COP28 (second left); Mukhtar Babayev, the President-designate of COP29 (left); and Ana Toni, the Brazilian National Secretary for Climate Change (right)
The visit was part of a broader engagement with the COP Presidency Troika, a newly established collaborative body comprising leaders from the current, incoming, and future COP presidencies.
The COP Presidency Troika includes Sultan Al Jaber, the President of COP28; Mukhtar Babayev, the President-designate of COP29; and Ana Toni, the Brazilian National Secretary for Climate Change. This triad of leadership represents a significant step in fostering an unprecedented level of cooperation among COP host states.
The primary goal of the COP Presidency Troika is to ensure continuity and build upon the progress made at previous conferences. Their collaborative efforts aim to maintain momentum in global climate negotiations, strengthen the implementation of agreed measures, and create a cohesive bridge between successive COP meetings to drive forward the international climate agenda.
In November 2024, Azerbaijan will host COP29, a decision finalised during the COP28 plenary meeting in Dubai on December 11, 2023. Baku is anticipated to become a major global hub for climate discussions, with preparations to accommodate approximately 70,000 to 80,000 international attendees.
The UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) was established during the Earth Summit in Rio de Janeiro in June 1992, aimed at addressing human impacts on the climate system. The Conference of the Parties (COP), which consists of 198 member countries, acts as the highest decision-making body for overseeing the implementation of the UNFCCC.
COP meetings are held annually unless otherwise agreed, with the first conference taking place in March 1995 in Berlin. The UNFCCC secretariat is located in Bonn, Germany.
WaterAid Nigeria has charged stakeholders in Ikorodu North Local Council Development Area (LCDA) in Lagos to ensure adequate and proper maintenance of the water and toilet facilities so as to encourage the donor to do more for them in the future.
Participants at the close-out meeting marking the end of the WaterAid intervention programme
Dr. Adebayo Alao, WaterAid Lagos Programme Lead, gave the charge on Friday, July 26, 2024, during a close-out meeting marking the end of the intervention programme.
According to him, the meeting signifies that WaterAid has officially handed-over the projects to the host communities and so the responsibility of maintaining those projects is now left to them.
The Programme Lead said: “These little interventions we have done in your communities, prove to us you can sustain it, you can even prove to us that without WaterAid you can do better. So, we implore you to go back to Sabo, Orimedu, Rolu-Parafa, Idera, Itamaga and Isiwu where we have those projects and ensure that they are working perfectly.
“With WaterAid, there is still plan to do another 250 public toilets in Lagos State, the papers have already been signed. WaterAid wants to be proud and say to the government, come and see the models we have in Ikorodu and replicate such across the state, I’m sure if that happens, Lagos State Government will be proud of you as well, that can only be achieved if you are able to maintain and sustain the ones you already have in your domain.
“WaterAid has presented awards to communities in countries like Zambia, South Africa, Mozambique and so on where they exhibit that with what we provide for them they are able to sustain it by working together to improve water sanitation and hygiene in their communities. We have seen how they are taking trainings on hygiene behaviour change and applying it in their communities and how they are enjoying good health, we have seen how they are taking the water safety packs, applying it to their communities and how they are having safe water system. It is possible with you too, you can achieve it, if you want to achieve it, WaterAid will support you but let us see you take the step.
“Most importantly, I want the I want the CDC Chairman to prioritise the issue of creating WASH account, this will go a long way in assisting WASHCOM members have enough resources in maintaining the facilities because after this meeting we won’t be able to spend anything on those projects again as we will be compiling our reports to send back to our donors,” Dr. Alao maintained.
While taking an overview of the project sponsored by Later-Day Saints Charities (CHC), Mr. John Nwamuo, WASH Manager Later-Day Saints Charities, noted that WaterAid did not implement the project.
“The project was government-led, what we did was to support the government to achieve this for the donor, this is not a stand-alone project, so WaterAid is implementing a Lagos WASH programme, and we are able to attract donors into Lagos State particularly with primary focus on Ikorodu North LCDA. We are only supporting the with resources and models for government to adopt and scale-up. We are doing all these to improve access to WASH services.
“Initially, with the project that started on February 2, 2023, targeted 13,000 beneficiaries but on completion, we are able to achieve 16,000 beneficiaries including women and children across six communities including schools and PHCs.
“The projects was able to showcase models that is Standard Operating Procedure for implementing result orienting models, example is the water facilities in Rolu-Parafa and that of Idera, they are different in appearance but both of them are giving the same quality services to the beneficiaries, the same applies to the toilet facility in Isiwu Junior Grammar School and that of Sawmill in Itamaga, all this shows that regardless of the context, they are all serving the required purpose,” he stated.
In his response, Prince Adeniran Ogunbanwo, WASHCOM Coordinator and Chairman Community Development Committee in Ikorodu North LCDA, while appreciating WaterAid Nigeria for the numerous interventions in the Council promised to sustain the project for good use of the residents of the communities.
He said: “We have a team that will be moving round those facilities to liaise with WASHCOM thereby assisting them with whatever challenges that is likely to come up and if they are not living up to expectations, we have to inaugurate another WASHCOM to manage the facilities, so they have no option but to deliver.
“On the issue of opening a WASHCOM account, most of them are in the process of completing the account opening formalities, we agree that saving money for the purpose of proper maintenance and management of the facilities is the way to do and we are adopting that approach, so all the facilities provided are in save hands so it’s sustainability is utmost in our hearts.”
In his submission, Ameen Olawale Ibrahim, Vice Chairman, Ikorodu North LCDA, said: “WaterAid has really done well for us with the provision of toilet and water facilities to eradicate open defecation and also improve our sanitation and hygiene practices, it is now left for us to manage and sustain the facilities to continue enjoying it, I can assure you that we shall make good use of these facilities and they shall be proud of us.”
At the end of the session, Dr. Adebayo Alao with stakeholders in Ikorodu North LCDA selected Idera Primary School, Zumratu Primary School, Odogunyan and Erikorodo Primary School, Itamaga as the next locations to benefit from the next intervention programme by WaterAid Nigeria.
L-R: James Oyedele (ODS&WR), Ayo Adekoya (Council Leader Ikorodu North LCDA), Ameen O. Ibrahim (Vice Chairman, Ikorodu North LCDA), High Chief Adekunle Jaiyesinmi, Niyi Odugbesi (SLG Ikorodu North LCDA), Prince Niran Ogunbanwo (CDC Chairman), and Bola Adaramola (Councilor Ikorodu North)
In a related development, WaterAid has launched a project titled “Ikorodu North LCDA WASH Local Investment Plan”, a project that x-rayed the intervention programmes embarked upon between February 2023 and July 2024 and the five years.
In his remarks, Godfrey Iloha, WASH Manager (Microsoft), stated that the project, sponsored by Latter-Day Saints Charities, kicked off February 1, 2023, and close by July 31, 2024.
“Within this short period, we have been able to rehabilitate facilities such as Itamaga Sawmill Sanitation Facility, Sabo Sanitation Facility, Idera Water Facility, Ita-Oluwo/Orimedu Water Facility, Rolu Parafa Water Facility and Isiwu Junior Grammar School Sanitation Facility.
“With this launch, phase one of the project is officially coming to an end and interestingly it’s also marking the beginning of the second phase of the project where we will be focusing only on schools in Ikorodu North LCDA.
“So, we develop the Local Investment Plan (LIP) for the local government to help them focus on their water facilities and what needs to be done in ensuring proper sanitation delivery among residents of the council,” Iloha said.
He noted that the aim of the project is to combine service delivery interventions with institutional strengthening for improved and sustainable delivery of WASH services to address acute needs for vulnerable populations in the communities.
John Nwamuo, WASH Manager, Later-Day Saints Charities (LDSC), in his submission hinted that “the LIP is a strategic five-year plan that will assist the local government to achieve 100% coverage of communities in Ikorodu North LCDA to have access to clean water”.
According to him, the total estimate cost of the investment plan required to address the gap in water supply across five wards in the Council through the five years spanning from 2024 through 2028 is N2, 334,640,727.00. This represents the cumulative costs required to rehabilitate 135 public water schemes at N1, 880,689,500.00, and the construction of 15 new ones in locations of need at N200, 865,495 with an average cost of N13, 931,033.00 per scheme.
Other costs identified during the stakeholder Lifecycle Costing Workshop include: Capital Maintenance Expenditure (CapManEx) at N70, 669,128.38; Operations Expenditure (OpEx) at N173, 916,603.00; Expenditure on Direct Support (ExpDS) at N5, 000,000.00; Expenditure on Indirect Support (ExpIDS) at N3, 500,000.00, within a period of five years.
All these will be achieved through: Baseline Survey and Service Level Assessment; Technical Assessment of 135 Water Points across the 5 Wards; Validation Meeting; Institutional Arrangements Mapping and Lifecycle Costing Workshop,” Nwamuo stated.
James Oyedele from Lagos State Office of Drainage Services and Water Resources in his remarks urged the LCDA to own the document by keeping it close to their heart.
He said: “This is a document that if an investor comes in tomorrow and shows an interest, you can present this document to such an investor because it is every detailed. We thank President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for championing the autonomy of LGAs in the country, so they have no excuse not to implement such projects.
“We all know that if there is no water, there is no sanitation and if there is no sanitation, health implications will arise. I urge the authority of the LGA to archive this wonderful document and make reference to it anytime the need arises.”
On his part, Niyi Odugbesi, Secretary to Local Government, opined: “The intervention of WaterAid in this local government has afforded me personally the opportunity of discovering so many abandoned water facilities in our domain here. We did an assessment plan to determine what actually happened and we found out that those moribund facilities were not properly handed over to the host communities, we even have some communities that in actual fact did not request for those facilities as at the time it was constructed and delivered to them. But with the way WaterAid is handling the process the communities are taking ownership of these wonderful facilities.
“To whom much is given, much is expected, I want to assure WaterAid Nigeria of proper maintenance and sustainability of all the projects provided for us in Ikorodu North LCDA,” he promised.
Ameen Olawale Ibrahim, Vice Chairman, Ikorodu North LCDA, however promised to work with the LIP for the good of the entire people of the council.
