By Fatima Saka
The Governor of Imo State, Hope Uzodimma, over the weekend, expressed delight over the successful turnaround maintenance of the Otamiri Water Works in Owerri, the state capital.
The rehabilitation exercise was last carried out in 1996 during the military era on the scheme, which was built by the late Samuel Mbakwe administration in the late 1970s.
Meanwhile, residents of Owerri and its environs were unable to access potable water as their major pipes were destroyed during the urban renewal programme.
Speaking to journalists after water began to flow through most public taps, Uzodimma expressed delight at the development, pointing out that of all the projects he had executed, he was most elated at the rehabilitation of the Otamiri Water Scheme.
“I don’t know if any other project will give me as much pleasure as the rehabilitation of the Otamiri Water Works. I am pleased to inform Imo people that water is now flowing once more through the Otamiri Water Works after an extensive turn around maintenance exercise, which was last carried out in 1996,” Governor Uzodimma said.
Explaining the extent of work done on the project, Uzodimma disclosed that it was successfully carried out in collaboration with an international partner. He added that the project involved the repair of a 200k vertical turbine pump and replacement of its starter control panel, among other crucial repair works.
Uzodimma revealed that he was moved to embark on the project, because of the suffering of the children and others in search of water.
“My desire to carry out this important project was inspired by the pitiable sight of children and women, youth and men hurling jerry cans all over the place looking for potable water.
“I was also concerned about the health risks of water borne diseases, which was afflicting our people through the use of untreated water. I don’t know if any other project will give me as much joy, as the rehabilitation of the Otamiri Water Works,” the governor said.
