LWC Introduces Groundbreaking Technology to Secure Lagos Water Supply
The Lagos Water Corporation (LWC) has taken a significant leap in modernizing the state's water infrastructure with the unveiling of its innovative Crawler Bot technology. This development, announced on 20 November 2025, represents a major advancement in addressing long-standing challenges in maintaining and securing potable water supply across Lagos.
Addressing Decades-Old Infrastructure Challenges
Speaking about the initiative in Lagos, Mukhtaar Tijani, the Managing Director of LWC, emphasized that assessing underground transmission mains had historically been a difficult, slow, and expensive process. He explained that the corporation previously lacked adequate visibility into the condition of its pipeline network, making proactive maintenance challenging.
The newly deployed robot, developed with technical support from Konsadem Associates and McAlpha Inc., travels directly inside water pipelines while capturing high-definition video footage, precise measurements, and critical data about the infrastructure's condition. The advanced technology can detect various issues including corrosion, cracks, blockages, and potential leaks that could compromise water quality and distribution efficiency.
Comprehensive Data Collection and Analysis
Beyond mere detection, the Crawler Bot performs comprehensive mapping of pipe coordinates and diameters, providing engineers with unprecedented insight into the state of critical water assets. This detailed information enables smarter decision-making processes and allows for targeted maintenance interventions rather than broad, costly approaches.
The technology integrates seamlessly with Geographic Information Systems (GIS) mapping and hydraulic modeling platforms, significantly enhancing LWC's digital transformation efforts. This integration supports more efficient long-term planning and resource allocation for the water corporation.
Transforming Water Management in Lagos
The implementation of this innovative technology is expected to deliver multiple benefits to Lagos residents, including reduced water losses through early leak detection, improved service reliability, and more sustainable water management practices. The initiative underscores LWC's commitment to operational excellence and safeguarding Lagos' vital water infrastructure for future generations.
LWC expressed gratitude to its engineers, consultants, partners, and the state government for their support in bringing this project to fruition. The corporation described the launch as a milestone in its ongoing mission to deliver safe, reliable, and sustainable water to all Lagos residents, reaffirming the government's commitment to adopting advanced technologies that enhance public service delivery systems.
