The Special Adviser to the Governor on Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and Water Resources, Hon. Damilola Otubanjo, has called on local governments to take a more proactive role in addressing challenges in the water sector. She emphasized the need for stronger collaboration with the state government to tackle aging infrastructure, improve maintenance, and enhance water accessibility for residents.

Speaking during an infrastructural tour of Remo, Odogbolu, and Sagamu, Hon. Otubanjo highlighted the critical role of local leadership in ensuring efficient water supply and sanitation services. She noted that many communities still suffer from inadequate access to clean water due to poor maintenance and lack of intervention from local governments.

"Local governments must become active collaborators in progress. These water schemes are situated in their jurisdictions, and they need to take ownership of infrastructure maintenance. Beyond state, federal, or donor-funded interventions, local governments must ensure sustained operations and accountability in the sector," she stated.

Hon. Otubanjo further noted that as part of efforts to localize the SDGs, the state will establish SDG Desk Officers across all 20 local governments to facilitate partnerships on targeted SDG intervention projects and programs. She stressed that local government leadership and their teams must play an active role in ensuring that allocated funds for rehabilitating aging pipelines and water networks are effectively utilized.

"The responsibility lies with local authorities to ensure that these investments yield tangible results in water access and infrastructure sustainability," she concluded.