Optimal Greening Launches Sustainable Water Initiative in Lagos Communities
Optimal Greening has officially launched Project SWIFT, a sustainable water initiative aimed at enhancing access to clean water and sanitation in the underserved Isiu and Eginrin Ekun communities of Ikorodu North LCDA, Lagos State. This initiative, funded by the Grundfos Foundation, underscores the organization’s commitment to transforming future water access in these areas.
Expanding Community-led Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene Solutions
The commissioning of Project SWIFT represents a significant expansion of a successful community-led water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) model first tested in Agara, a low-income neighborhood in Lagos. This pilot project was recognized with the Sanitation Innovation Award, given by the Lagos State Ministry of Environment and Water Resources during the 2023 World Toilet Day celebrations.
Addressing Water Safety and Community Participation
According to Optimal Greening, the SWIFT initiative is focused on delivering sustainable and safe water solutions while fostering community ownership and active participation in WASH management. A needs assessment conducted in collaboration with the Lagos State Ministry of Environment and Water Resources and Ikorodu Local Government Authority revealed that over 88% of residents in the target communities relied on unsafe water sources.
Health Risks and Socio-economic Challenges
This dependency has left residents, particularly women and children, vulnerable to waterborne diseases and various socio-economic challenges. Osen Iyahen, founder and CEO of Optimal Greening, stated that “Project SWIFT is a continuation of our commitment to environmental sustainability and a significant advancement in how we design, deliver, and sustain WASH solutions for historically marginalized communities.”
Funding and Technological Innovations
The project initially received funding from USAID as part of the Lagos Urban Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (LUWASH) operation. However, the suspension of USAID support in early 2025 caused a brief delay. Despite this setback, Optimal Greening secured additional funding from the Grundfos Foundation, a lead sponsor in the Community Engagement Grants Initiative. The project also received backing from the Vitol Foundation, with technology partnerships established with Hydrogenesis, Nextworks, and Naston Engineering.
Water Access and Community Training
Project SWIFT now provides at least 30,000 liters of safe drinking water daily, benefiting over 9,000 direct participants and an additional 13,000 indirect beneficiaries across the two communities. The initiative has trained over 100 individuals from community development associations, WASH committees, and facility management teams in governance, financial management, and asset management, which are vital for sustaining these initiatives.
Focus on Gender Inclusion and Long-term Sustainability
Optimal Greening has prioritized gender inclusion, with women making up 40% of participants in leadership and decision-making roles within the community. The organization has already improved access to clean water for more than 2,000 households in Ikorodu North, significantly alleviating the burden on residents who previously relied on unsafe water sources.
The Need for Continued Government Support
While Project SWIFT has established stronger governance systems within communities, Optimal Greening emphasizes the ongoing challenges of maintaining WASH infrastructure. The organization urges local and state governments to provide continued support through technical assistance, policy initiatives, and monitoring. Gbola Sobando, chair of the organization’s board of directors, remarked that “community groups can do a lot, but they can’t do it all alone,” highlighting the essential role of government in the sustainability of such projects.
Scaling Community-Driven WASH Solutions
Optimal Greening views Project SWIFT as evidence that locally developed WASH models can effectively be scaled to benefit larger communities. The organization expressed gratitude to its sponsors, partners, technical teams, and community leaders for their ongoing cooperation and support throughout the project’s implementation. As a Nigeria-based non-profit, Optimal Greening remains committed to providing environmental sustainability solutions focused on water, energy, and waste for underserved communities in Nigeria and across Africa.
