• Hausa Edition
  • Podcast
  • Conferences
  • LeVogue Magazine
  • Business News
  • Print Advert Rates
  • Online Advert Rates
  • Contact Us
Thursday, July 3, 2025
Leadership Newspapers
Read in Hausa
  • Home
  • News
  • Politics
  • Business
  • Sport
  • Health
  • Entertainment
  • Opinion
    • Editorial
  • Columns
  • Football
  • Others
    • LeVogue Magazine
    • Conferences
    • National Economy
  • Contact Us
No Result
View All Result
  • Home
  • News
  • Politics
  • Business
  • Sport
  • Health
  • Entertainment
  • Opinion
    • Editorial
  • Columns
  • Football
  • Others
    • LeVogue Magazine
    • Conferences
    • National Economy
  • Contact Us
No Result
View All Result
Leadership Newspapers
No Result
View All Result

Group Tasks Lagos, Others On UK Water Privatisation Research Outcomes

by Olamide Ojiokaiye
1 year ago
in News
Share on WhatsAppShare on FacebookShare on XTelegram

A non-governmental organisation, Renevlyn Development Initiative (RDI), has urged the Lagos State government and other state governments in Nigeria to learn from the failed water privatisation in the United Kingdom (UK) and adequately fund public sector solutions to water crisis.

Advertisement

The group made the call in a reaction to the just-released study by the Public Services International Research Unit (PSIRU) of the University of Greenwich, which showed that investors in England and Wales water sector (largely driven by profits) withdrew over £85.2bn from 10 water and sewerage firms in England and Wales since the industry was privatised more than 30 years ago.

The new research comes amid growing public fury towards water companies over the recent Brixham poisoning scandal and rising bill prices. The report shows underinvestment in the UK’s infrastructure, which many believed has led to sewage spills and water leaks.

The research published by the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC), revealed that shareholders in some of the UK’s largest water companies withdrew tens of billions of pounds, but failed to invest with firms planning to raise household bills to fund future spending. Between 1989 and 2023, money invested by shareholders in the largest firms shrunk by £5.5bn when adjusted for inflation.

A spokesperson of Ofwat, the industry regulator, said it “strongly refuted” the figures even as it wholeheartedly agreed with demands for companies to change.

RELATED

WDCL, Rolon Seals Firm To Drive Investment, Innovation In Africa’s Energy Sector

WDCL, Rolon Seals Firm To Drive Investment, Innovation In Africa’s Energy Sector

25 minutes ago
Commissioner Tasks School Heads On Sexual Harassment

Commissioner Tasks School Heads On Sexual Harassment

47 minutes ago

Water UK, which represents the industry, said investment in the sector was “double the annual levels seen before privatisation” but David Hall, visiting professor at the PSIRU at the University of Greenwich, insisted that water companies have invested “less than nothing of their own money” and are “treating their customers like a cash cow”.

Company accounts examined by the university include Thames Water, United Utilities, and Severn Trent.

However, in his reaction to the findings, RDI Project Officer, Ifeoluwa Adediran, said, “The study has justified the argument of RDI and other water justice groups that water privatization is a mirage packaged by the World Bank and the International Finance Corporation (IFC) to fool developing nations to bug them down in debt. We hope the Lagos State Government and states across Nigeria can learn from this.

“Research in the last 10 years has shown a trend towards remunicipalization in countries that have adopted water privatization. We do not need to tread that path.”

Similarly, aside from the poor investment by the privateers in the water sector, there were 464,056 sewage spills in 2023, according to the Environment Agency, a 54% increase on the previous year. The spills came from the toilet, personal washing, or domestic cleaning such as from a washing machine or doing the dishes. It also includes run-off from roads.

The RDI spokesperson reiterated that the findings do not disappoint water justice groups, but instead confirm long-standing researches across the globe that show disappointing outcomes of privatization that have fueled a steady recourse to remunicipalizations.

“The UK example only adds to existing research that shows that the solution to the global water crisis is in the realm of a public democratically controlled and sustainably funded water sector. Privatisation in the water sector is a huge scam,” Adediran averred.


We’ve got the edge. Get real-time reports, breaking scoops, and exclusive angles delivered straight to your phone. Don’t settle for stale news. Join LEADERSHIP NEWS on WhatsApp for 24/7 updates →

Join Our WhatsApp Channel

BREAKING NEWS: Nigerians can now earn US Dollars from the comfort of their homes with Ultra-Premium domains, acquire them for as low as $1700 and profit as much as $25,000. Click here to learn how you can earn US Dollars consistently.


SendShareTweetShare
Previous Post

PICTORIAL: 1 Dead As Singapore Airlines Flight Runs Into Severe Turbulence

Next Post

ISWAP Terrorists Kill DPO In Borno, Injure 2 Others

Olamide Ojiokaiye

Olamide Ojiokaiye

You May Like

WDCL, Rolon Seals Firm To Drive Investment, Innovation In Africa’s Energy Sector
News

WDCL, Rolon Seals Firm To Drive Investment, Innovation In Africa’s Energy Sector

2025/07/03
Commissioner Tasks School Heads On Sexual Harassment
News

Commissioner Tasks School Heads On Sexual Harassment

2025/07/03
Savannah Energy Empowers 100 Students
Business

Savannah Energy Empowers 100 Students

2025/07/03
WBFA, Reckitt Inaugurate 106 Students As Hygiene Ambassadors
Health

WBFA, Reckitt Inaugurate 106 Students As Hygiene Ambassadors

2025/07/03
Strike: The Fate Of FCT Primary School Teachers, Pupils
Education

Strike: The Fate Of FCT Primary School Teachers, Pupils

2025/07/03
BIC Reaffirms Commitment To Youth Empowerment Through Creative Initiatives
Business

BIC Reaffirms Commitment To Youth Empowerment Through Creative Initiatives

2025/07/03
Leadership Conference advertisement

LATEST

WDCL, Rolon Seals Firm To Drive Investment, Innovation In Africa’s Energy Sector

Wimbledon: Sabalenka, Keys Advance To 3 Round

I’ll Ensure Club World Cup Never Hold Again – La Liga President

Djokovic Thanks ‘Miracle Pills’ After Wimbledon Win

Transfer: Eberechi Eze Sets For Arsenal Move

I Would Like To Play With Williams At Barca – Torres

Juventus Denies Interest In Osimhen Amid Transfer Speculation

NFF Names 16 Referees For NNL Super 8 Playoffs

Jaiz Bank Lifts NYSC Camp Spirit With Thrilling Football Match

2026 C’wealth Games: Tinubu Receives King’s Baton, Vows To Unite Nigerians Through Sports

© 2025 Leadership Media Group - All Rights Reserved.

No Result
View All Result
  • Home
  • News
  • Politics
  • Business
  • Sport
  • Health
  • Entertainment
  • Opinion
    • Editorial
  • Columns
  • Football
  • Others
    • LeVogue Magazine
    • Conferences
    • National Economy
  • Contact Us

© 2025 Leadership Media Group - All Rights Reserved.