An Approach to Lifecycle Design and Sustainable Management of Nigerian Water Infrastructure

Water is one of the essentialities of life and meeting water needs is one of the cardinal millennium development goals. However, many developing countries like Nigeria are struggling with the provision of adequate potable water for the inhabitants. This paper presents results of the study on possible solutions to potable water supply in Sango-Ota area of South-Western Nigeria. Causes of consumable water supply problems in the region were first examined through literature review and site visits to some water supply facilities in Sango- Ota. The framework for lifecycle design and sustainable management of water infrastructure reported in this paper was developed to address the main problems. The framework incorporated information gathered from the literature survey, note taken on the site visits to some water supply facilities in Sango-Ota, and interviews conducted with water stakeholders. The result of the study revealed a need for inclusiveness of all stakeholders and capacity building of the local technician for effective management of the system. A project is in the works for the demonstration of the framework and for its necessary upgrade. The sustainability principles based methodology is expected to facilitate systematic innovation in the design and management of water infrastructure in Nigeria. This would in turn result in adequate water supply services for the citizens