Imo State Government, represented by the Honorable Commissioner for Water Resources, Ozo Obinna Ogwuegbu, at a just concluded crucial Stakeholders engagement in Owerri, the Capital of Imo State, to consolidate achievements already recorded by the Shared Prosperity Government as well as address certain water supply challenges in the state.
Numerous stakeholders, intervention bodies, and members of the private sector attended the meeting which resulted in the adoption of numerous important resolutions aimed at strengthening the current drive at reviving and the state’s water infrastructure.
The State at engagement got the buy-in of its partners to a review of the operational infrastructure of the Okigwe Water Project noting that Okigwe Water Scheme is still Imo State’s main supply of potable water, even though it is outdated and inoperable—especially for the towns that border Okigwe and Owerri.
Recognizing its potential, the government engaged stakeholders and the corporate sector to examine ways of overhauling the system. The aim of this project is to make it a practical and affordable solution so as to improve access to safely managed water in the state.
Similarly the event critically considered a renewed effort at the restoration of Inyishi Dam. It was noted with concern that the installed facilities at Inyishi dam have been vandalized. Stakeholders noted that they are committed to support the State’s dedicated efforts at addressing this issue to restore the functionality of these essential water supply sources.
On the issue of Security and engagement of the youths and communities, the Commissioner announced the Governor’s order for the implementation of Okobi Cooperative Scheme as a means of improving the security and safety of water schemes that have been installed. The youth are empowered by this economic initiative which also keeps them occupied and away from crime.
On The Otamiri Water Works, the Commissioner announced ongoing rehabilitation at the water works. Noting that Otamiri river, Owerri, which currently acts as the intake source for the Owerri Water Scheme, was found to have a substantial infestation of water hyacinth. It was resolved that ongoing rehabilitation at the works will have the stemming of further degradation as one of its priorities. This entails a clean-up of the river and a safeguard to the watershed
The meeting in appraising the Iyiechu Water Scheme resolved that despite limits in its civil structures, the Iyiechu Water Scheme has considerable potential due to its sturdy design and modern facilities. The plan can be used to supplement the Imo artesian formation at Okigwe, an underground water source, giving the state access to more safely managed water.
6. PROGRAMME FOR INTEGRATED DEVELOPMENT AND ADAPTATION TO CLIMATE CHANGE IN THE NIGER BASIN PIDACC/NB in its report Outlined important concerns like climate change, biodiversity, protected areas, water use, and infrastructure, the PIDACC team in attendance provided a working draft report on the state of Imo’s water bodies. The report included a list of projects scheduled for validation and prioritization throughout the state, as well as an explanation of planned and ongoing actions.
In his remarks, the Honourable Commissioner emphasized the urgent implementation of remedies to address Imo State’s water needs. He specifically cited the City of Orlu and other densely populated areas, noting that a surface water supply approach is now necessary, as boreholes can no longer meet the demands of the growing population. .
The Commissioner called on various intervention bodies to come on board and support the assiduous drive of His Excellency, the Governor of Imo State, Senator Hope Uzodimma on his 3R initiative which has as one of its priorities the urgent amelioration of the state’s perennial water shortage, noting that the government remains dedicated to ensuring that all residents have access to clean, safe, and reliable water.
The forum also had in attendance other top officials of the Ministry of Water Resources,the Team from Greenstores Consulting India,team from Greeenstores West Africa and other Stakeholders from the Water sector in the State
Nkechi Anusiem Mrs
PRO
Ministry of Water Resources
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