The Commissioner for Public Utilities and Water Resources, Rtr. Chief Kingsley Imaga has enjoined the Contractor handling the ongoing rehabilitation of the Ariaria Water Supply Scheme in Aba, Abia State to expedite action and complete the project within the stipulated time frame, in order to provide succour and access to clean and potable water in Aba and her environs.

The Commissioner who gave the charge today when he paid an inspection visit at the project site to ascertain the level of work restated Governor Okezie Ikpeazu led administration’s commitment and political will in ensuring the success of the project. He advised the contractors to adhere strictly to the scope of the project and deliver a quality job which will stand the test of time, adding that the essence of the inspection tour is to get first-hand information and assess the level and quality of work done which will guide him to report his findings to the Governor, Dr Okezie Ikpeazu and the donor Agency, United States Agency for International Development, USAID.

Hon. Commissioner applauded the efforts of the Governor, Okezie 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 beneficiary States and the Team of Engineers for their teamwork and resilience, and finally, urged them to leave no stone unturned and ensure the speedy competition of the project whose enormous importance to Aba residents cannot be emphasised.

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 is the first donor support on water in Abia State. They emphasised the need for the Contractors to deliver the project according to the bill of quantity, and use suitable and durable materials that will enable the facility to last and serve its purpose. They expressed displeasure over the slow pace of work and further urged the Contractor to put in place all safety measures that will not cause a breakdown of the equipment.

Also speaking while conducting the Commissioner and his team round the facility, the USAID-Abia State Utility Technical Advisor, Engr. Michael Keyinde, the team leader of USAID-Abia State, Dr Ziyok Ishaku and the Contractor, Engr. James Ekong commended the Honourable Commissioner for being proactive and embarking on the project inspection, adding that the visit and the recommendations of the Ministry will help them ascertain the areas that need amendments and spur them to intensify efforts in delivering a durable water project that will enhance the health and sanitation of the host communities.

The Project scope entails the provision of ;

• 5 Nos Borehole rehabilitation,
• 3 Nos Drilling of new boreholes,
• 8 Nos borehole development,
• Rehabilitation of aeration chamber,
• Site preparation and earthwork,
• Rehabilitation of treatment equipment,
• Electromechanical work
• Water leakage test
• Power supply/power system protection among others.

Meanwhile, 2500 KVA generator, Transformer with high tension poles and the Chlorine Dozing Unit has been installed, with 4 Nos borehole pumps installed with 83-87 cubic meters of water coverage.

Recall that the Executive Governor of Abia State, Dr Okezie Victor Ikpeazu on Friday, August 20, 2021, through the Honourable Commissioner for Works, Mr. Bob Ogu officially performed the groundbreaking ceremony for the rehabilitation of the Ariaria Water Scheme which has been moribund for over 30 years. The water project is part of the United States Agency for International Development Effective Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene Services (USAID E-WASH) Program intervention on ensuring access to sustainable urban water and sanitation services in Abia State.

The Water Scheme when completed is expected to provide portable drinking water to five Local Governments of the State namely- Aba North, Aba South, Obingwa, Ugwunagbo and Osisioma.