Lagos: The Lagos Water Corporation (LWC) has initiated discussions with Julius Berger Nigeria Plc to improve collaboration between water and road infrastructure projects. This development was announced in a statement released by the corporation, emphasizing a recent courtesy and familiarization visit spearheaded by LWC’s Managing Director, Mr. Mukhtaar Tijani, to Julius Berger’s Ijora office.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, the visit aims to foster institutional relations and explore opportunities for deeper collaboration between the two organizations. The corporation highlighted the importance of maintaining cordial relationships with neighboring organizations and strategic stakeholders to facilitate future collaboration. The discussions centered on road construction, water pipeline protection, water infrastructure development, and sustainable water supply across Lagos Island and its surrounding areas.
Both organizations underscored the necessity of early communication and technical coordination to avoid conflicts between road projects and existing water infrastructure. Julius Berger’s Regional Commercial Manager for Region West, Mr. Alexander Bauer, reiterated the company’s commitment to sustainable engineering solutions over short-term fixes. Bauer emphasized the significance of early stakeholder engagement and proper coordination prior to commencing construction activities.
The meeting also addressed the need for access to project drawings and technical information crucial for enhancing coordination between water and road infrastructure projects. Julius Berger noted that the release of detailed project drawings would require approval from the appropriate client. Both parties agreed on the need to engage the Lagos State Government to secure necessary approvals and bolster technical collaboration.
Discussions further touched upon the importance of accurate pipeline information in planning future water infrastructure and urban development projects. The LWC delegation expressed concerns regarding uncoordinated borehole drilling and its potential impact on groundwater resources and the ecosystem. Participants acknowledged that strengthening public water supply systems could reduce reliance on individual boreholes and aid in protecting underground water resources.
Additionally, they concurred on the importance of sharing information about construction activities, road conditions, project schedules, and potential disruptions. Security and community considerations were also addressed, with Julius Berger highlighting its engagement with relevant authorities on security infrastructure within the area.
The meeting concluded with a shared commitment to maintaining open communication, enhancing technical coordination, and exploring further collaboration opportunities. The engagement is anticipated to strengthen synergies between water and road infrastructure planning, supporting resilient and sustainable infrastructure development across Lagos.