IN its continuous efforts to address sewage management challenges in Lagos State, the Lagos State Wastewater Management Office (LSWMO) recently carried out an on-site assessment of the Oke-Afa Wastewater Treatment Plant.
The Wastewater Treatment Plant is one of the publicly owned infrastructures of the Lagos State Government for collecting and treating sewage and wastewater in the Oke-Afa Low-Cost Housing Estate and environment.
The team, led by its General Manager, Engr. Adefemi Afolabi was received by the President of the Oke-Afa Residents' Association, Engr. Fatai Oloko, and other key members of the association. 
In his remarks, Engr. Afolabi stated that the purpose of the visit was twofold: to evaluate the current condition of the Wastewater facility and engage directly with the estate executives on probable solutions.
The General Manager highlighted the importance of sustainable Government investments, stating that without a structured payment mechanism, rehabilitation efforts would be unsustainable in the long run. According to him, "It is imperative that residents contribute to the ongoing maintenance and operations through a structured service fee payment system."
He further emphasised that cost recovery is crucial to ensuring the plant remains functional, allowing the State Government’s investment to continue delivering value over time.
To formalise this collaboration, Engr. Afolabi announced plans to enter into a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the estate executives. The MoU, according to him, will outline responsibilities for the proposed rehabilitation, sustainability measures, and the implementation of the monthly payment model by residents. 
Additionally, he revealed plans by the Agency to set up a dedicated sewage management committee comprising both the estate representatives and LSWMO officials. “This committee will oversee the effective management and financial upkeep of the wastewater treatment plant, ensuring long-term functionality and efficiency”, he added.
Earlier, while receiving the LSWMO’s team on behalf of the residents, the President of the Oke-Afa Residents' Association, Engr. Fatai Oloko expressed deep concern over the treatment plant's deteriorating condition, emphasising the long-standing wastewater and sewage management challenges faced by the estate due to the facility’s moribund state.
The President stressed the urgent need to restore the plant to full operational capacity, which, if not done, has serious health implications.
