Corporate Accountability and Public Participation Africa (CAPPA) has called out the Lagos State Government for its singular focus on privatizing water utilities without considering alternative management models, leaving some communities at a disadvantage.
In a statement by its Media and Communications Officer, Robert Egbe, CAPPA criticized the recent Lagos International Water Conference (LIWAC) for heavily promoting Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs) as the only solution for financing the water sector in Lagos.
The organization highlighted the need for public control and community management of water as effective alternatives to privatization, citing examples from across Africa where privatization attempts have failed, leading to re-municipalization of water utilities.
CAPPA expressed concerns over the lack of representation of frontline communities and vulnerable groups at LIWAC 2024, emphasizing the importance of engaging with these stakeholders for sustainable water solutions.
The group urged the Lagos State Government to prioritize inclusive and sustainable water financing models that involve meaningful engagement with all stakeholders, including civil society organizations and grassroots movements.