Gov Okezie Ikpeazu of Abia State
Abia commissioner tasks contractor with early completion of Ariaria water project
Abia Commissioner for Public Utilities and Water Resources, Chief Kingsley Imaga, has charged the contractor handling the ongoing rehabilitation of Ariaria Water Scheme in Aba, to expedite action and complete the project on schedule in order to provide residents with access to clean and potable water.
The Commissioner gave the charge Thursday when he paid an inspection visit to the project site to ascertain the progress of work. The water project is part of the United States Agency for International Development Effective Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene Services (USAID E-WASH) Program, an intervention aimed at ensuring access to sustainable urban water and sanitation services in Abia State.
The Project scope includes rehabilitation of five boreholes and drilling of three new ones; development of eight boreholes; rehabilitation of aeration chamber; site preparation and earthwork; rehabilitation of treatment equipment, electromechanical work, water leakage test and power supply/power system protection, among others.
Already, a 2500 KVA generator, Transformer with high tension poles and the Chlorine Dozing Unit, as well as four borehole pumps with 83-87 cubic meters of water coverage have been installed.
Abia State, Dr Okezie Ikpeazu, had on Friday, August 20, 2021, through the Commissioner for Works, Mr. Bob Ogu, officially performed the flag-off ceremony of the rehabilitation of the Ariaria Water Scheme which has remained moribund for about 30 years.
The Water Scheme, when rehabilitated, is expected to provide portable drinking water to the five local governments of Aba North, Aba South, Obingwa, Ugwunagbo and Osisioma.
Imaga, during the inspection tour, maintained that the Ikpeazu-led administration has demonstrated commitment and political will in ensuring the success of the project and, therefore, advised the contractor to adhere strictly to the project’s specifications and deliver a durable, quality job.
He explained that the essence of the inspection tour was to get first-hand information and assess the level and quality of work done to be able to report his findings to the Governor and the donor agency, USAID.
The Commissioner praised Ikpeazu for creating the enabling environment and providing all the logistics needed for the successful completion of the project.
He also commended USAID for choosing Abia State as one of the benefitting States and the Team of Engineers for their teamwork and resilience; urging them to leave no stone unturned in ensuring speedy competition of the project.
In their separate speeches, the Permanent Secretary, Abia State Ministry of Public Utilities and Water Resources, Engr. Chika Friday, and the General Manager, Abia State Water Board, Engr. Leo Ogbonna, said the Ariaria Water Scheme was the first donor support on water in Abia State.
They emphasized on the need for the Contractor to deliver the project according to specifications, using suitable and durable materials that would enable the facility to last and serve its purpose. They expressed displeasure over the slow pace of work and further urged the Contractors to put in place, all safety measures that would protect their equipment from breaking down.
Conducting the Commissioner and his team round the facility, the USAID-Abia State Utility Technical Advisor, Engr. Michael Keyinde, the team lead of USAID-Abia State, Dr Ziyok Ishaku, and the Contractor, Engr. James Ekong, commended the Commissioner for being proactive and embarking on the project inspection.
They expressed optimism that the visit and the recommendations of the Ministry would help them ascertain areas that needed amendments and spur them to intensify efforts in delivering a durable water project that would enhance health and sanitation in the host communities.
