Highlighting the crucial nature of sustainable water supply systems in housing designs, stakeholders in the built economy have voiced their support for prioritizing reliable water sources.
Emphasizing the importance of innovative water designs in housing projects across the country, there have been calls for a shift in water management strategies.
Dr. Chukwumezie Okolo, the founder of RitePlace Synergy Limited, stressed the necessity for a new approach to water management, focusing on the health and environmental implications of development.
Advocating for the integration of smart home technologies that center on water treatment solutions and eco-friendly sewage systems, he underlined the significance of ensuring access to quality water as a basic human right.
He urged policymakers, real estate developers, and stakeholders to give precedence to water quality considerations in housing projects.
On the contrary, Dr. Samson Opaluwah, the Chairman of the Council of Registered Builders of Nigeria, stated that the responsibility for water supply lies solely with the government and relevant water supply authorities, rather than property developers.
Asserting that ensuring water quality is primarily the duty of water supply authorities, which are predominantly government-run, he argued against burdening developers with responsibilities beyond their domain.
He proposed that occupants could take charge by installing water purification systems independently, while builders focus on ensuring the proper installation of fittings within buildings.
“Occupants have the option to set up water purification systems at their discretion. Our focus should be on the functionality of public water systems. Within buildings, our role is to correctly install and verify the functionality of fittings,” he elaborated.