Uzodimma repositions abandoned water projects in Imo

Uzodimma repositions abandoned water projects in Imo

By Hussaini Ibrahim

OWERRI, Nigeria — Governor Hope Uzodimma of Imo State has embarked on a comprehensive repositioning of moribund and dilapidated water schemes across the state, a move aimed at ensuring regular supply of potable water to communities and institutions.

The initiative, authorities say, is critical for improving public health, reducing waterborne diseases, enhancing hygiene and sanitation, and supporting agricultural productivity and local commerce.

Speaking on some of the Governor’s achievements, the Special Adviser on Networking, Adanna Chinyere Chantel Onwuzuruike, said the feats were accomplished through effective and judicious utilization of available resources, in line with Uzodimma’s “3R Mantra” of Reconstruction, Rehabilitation, and Recovery.

Prominent among the revitalized projects are the Owerri Regional Water Scheme, Orji Water Scheme, Ubomiri Borehole Water Scheme, Egbeada Water Scheme, Ekenguru Water Scheme, and Eluama Orlu Borehole Water Scheme. Others include the Oleme Borehole Water Scheme and the Imo State University (INSU) Water Scheme.

At the Otamiri Head Works, the Governor commissioned six new vertical turbine pumps with modern soft starters and accessories, in addition to three pumps at the low lift and three at the high lift, each costing N450 million.

Onwuzuruike recalled that the scheme was originally installed under the defunct Sam Mbakwe administration but had been abandoned by successive governments until Governor Uzodimma revived it.

The Orji Water Scheme was repositioned with the purchase and installation of 40 H-P pumps and a new water starter panel. The Governor also digitalized the State Water Sewerage Corporation’s head office, constructed a one-million-gallon steel overhead tank, and installed a 60 H-P pump with a 100KVA generator at the Ubomiri Borehole Water Scheme.

The Egbeada Water Scheme now operates at maximum capacity with the installation of 40 H-P pumps, while the Eluama Orlu Borehole Water Scheme was rehabilitated with a 100,000-gallon EWT steel tank, 40 H-P pumps with soft starters, and a 100KVA generator. Similarly, the Oleme Borehole Water Scheme and INSU Water Scheme received upgrades including H-P pumps, fencing, and gates.

Onwuzuruike added that Governor Uzodimma has also directed the State Ministry of Public Utilities to compile a comprehensive list of other non-functional water projects in various communities for urgent rehabilitation.

The repositioning of these water schemes underscores the administration’s commitment to ensuring reliable access to clean water across Imo State, supporting both health and economic development, while rectifying decades of neglect in the sector.