The Lagos State Water Regulatory Commission (LASWARCO) has been invited to represent Nigeria at the 7th International Water Regulators Forum (IWRF) slated to hold in Copenhagen, Denmark from September 14 to 15, 2022.
A statement by the Executive Secretary of LASWARCO, Mrs. Funke Adepoju, expressed delight that the Commission has been called upon to attend the forum, which is a gathering of high-level representatives of regulatory authorities and agencies with oversight functions on the provision of water, sanitation and water management services.
Her words: “For us at LASWARCO, we welcome this invitation and it is a testament to the fact that the world is noticing the regulatory reforms being championed in Lagos State under the leadership of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu. The fact remains that regulation is sacrosanct towards ensuring equitable access to water, safeguarding the health of residents, and protecting the environment”.
“This point came to the fore at the recently concluded Third Lagos International Water Conference (LIWAC 2022) approved by Mr. Governor. At the forum, extensive deliberations dwelt on the centrality of regulation in unlocking investments and sustainable access to clean water and sanitation services. Without doubt, the lessons at the conference will further help to accentuate regulatory initiatives for better outcomes in favour of the people”, she stated. Revealing that the 7th IWRF is a key feature of the IWA World Water Congress and Exhibition 2022 and the theme for this year is: “Regulating Water Services in Times of Increasing Natural, Social and Economic Uncertainty”, Mrs. Adepoju stated that she is expected to Chair the first session of the Forum with the theme: “Except in Cases of Force Majeure: The Impact of Environmental and Social Disruptions on Economic Regulation. Who Should Bear The Costs of Incremental Risk?”
The Executive Secretary also disclosed that other discussants at the session include Vera Eiro, President of the Board of Water and Waste Water Services Regulation Authority, Portugal, who will speak on: “Drought as a Force Majeure Event in Concession Agreements: The Role of the Regulator”, and Gabor Kisvardai, Head of Secretariat at Hungarian Energy and Public Utility Authority, who would handle the topic: “How to be Certain in an Uncertain Environment? – The Hungarian Regulatory Experience”. The 7th International Water Regulators Forum (IWRF) is the international meeting of the global network of regulators under the auspices of the International Water Association (IWA), which has the vision to ensure that water is wisely, sustainably, and equitably managed.