People Assembly Int’l Tours Otamiri Waterworks, as ISWSC MD Leads Team
By Christopher Ononukwe
Members of the People Assembly International Owerri, Saturday 6 April 2024, embarked on an excursion of the facilities of Imo State Water and Sewerage Corporation (ISWSC) at Otamiri Waterworks. The major essence was to familiarise themselves with the intricacies of integrated water resources management as it affects public health and wellbeing.
During the tour, the acting Managing Director and CEO of ISWSC Engr Peter Chukwu, who conducted the team round the waterworks, emphasized the importance of understanding water processing, starting from raw water abstraction to distribution. He explained that raw water abstraction is an initial step, where the agency draws water from Otamiri River, which serves as the primary water source, noting that it is crucial to ensure the quality of water at this stage to begin the treatment process effectively. The abstracted raw water is then transferred to the aeration basin, where it is exposed to air. This helps in the removal of dissolved gases, and it also aids in the oxidation of metals.
“During flocculation, we introduce chemical coagulants into the water to help particles clump together, making it easier to remove them during the next stage of the process,” the Managing Director, said
The water with suspended flocs moves into sedimentation tanks where the heavy flocs settle at the bottom due to gravity, forming a sludge layer. The clarified water from sedimentation undergoes filtration to remove remaining fine particles and impurities. Water samples are collected and analyzed at the agency’s physiochemical and bacteriological laboratory for over 26 parameters to meet the requirements of the Nigerian Standard for Drinking Water Quality (NSDWQ) and the WHO.
Fielding questions from the excursion team, the Managing Director, expressing gratitude to Governor Hope Uzodimma for his support for the agency’s continued operations and service delivery to the people.
The Managing Director also stressed the need for collaborative efforts between the agency, stakeholders, and the public to address challenges in water resources management effectively.
Mr. Silver Duru, speaking on behalf of the People Assembly Int’l, expressed appreciation to the agency for the opportunity to witness firsthand the complexities involved in water management for the public health and wellbeing. He acknowledged the importance of such tours in fostering public awareness and understanding of critical infrastructure like water supply systems.
As the tour concluded, participants left with a deeper appreciation for the vital role played by the ISWSC in ensuring access to safely managed water for the residents of Imo State.
Other ISWSC’s staff present at the tour include Engr Boniface Onyeji, Head of Department of Engineering; Mrs Ngozi Onwuasor, Head of Laboratory Unit; Engr Nnamdi Dennis Nwabueze, Resident Engineer; and Engr Chilaka Ogbeje.
