A group of vibrant Catholic youths from Our Lady Queen of Peace Catholic Church, Owerri, last Friday, embarked on an enlightening excursion as part of their annual Youth Week activities. Their destination was the heart of Imo State Water and Sewerage Corporation (ISWSC), where they were welcomed at the Corporation’s Conference Hall by the Managing Director and CEO Engr Emeka Celestine Ugoanywanwu.

During their courtesy visit led by Mr Ikenna Victor Mba, the MD/CEO of ISWSC passionately elucidated the intricate processes involved in water treatment, shedding light on the alarming issue of borehole proliferation and water contamination with the subsequent threats they pose to public health and communities.

He also revealed a troubling history, recounting how the WASH sector in Imo state faced a near decimation during the previous administration, especially between 2000 and 2013.

“Of course, the pipe network emerges as a critical hurdle to achieving comprehensive water supply. But some pipes had been ravaged by the previous administration during the urban renewal initiative, necessitating extensive replacements to restore the seamless flow of water. Amidst these challenges, a beacon of hope resurrected in the form of the current government’s reform efforts to rejuvenate the sector,” he said.

The Managing Director also stressed that quality water supply is an essential factor for the well-being of the society, a sentiment he further accentuated when he extended an invitation to these members of Catholic Youths Organization of Nigeria (CYON) to engage with the ISWSC Radio Programme, noting that it is becoming evident that natural and human-induced disasters were affecting the very sources of water with hazardous activities such as mining and refuse dumping endangering the rivers. He explained that the radio programme which forms part of Social and Behavioural Change Communication (SBCC) campaign provides the wide platform to champion awareness and change in people’s attitudes, beliefs, and behaviors, urging the youths to also explore the Corporation’s website and social media handles, so that they would be able to contribute to discussions on issues related to WASH.

“Njaba, Otamiri, and Nworie rivers, once pristine lifelines, were now under the threat of extinction. There is interconnectedness of these rivers with the public health. There is a parallel between the health of the rivers and the health of the community they nourish,” he noted as he explained more on how public health is being affected by the quality of water they use.

The Managing Director, who also worships at the parish, said that ISWSC, embracing a mission of transformation, is embarking on a campaign to shift societal behaviour towards water, sanitation, and hygiene. This vision, resonant with Pope Francis’ call to prioritize the preservation of planet Earth over profit-making ventures, seeks to combat the root cause of numerous waterborne diseases plaguing citizens.

In a gesture of support, cash rewards were extended to the youths to assist in their transportation efforts. As a poignant reminder of the shared commitment towards a better world, the Managing Director highlighted that over 70% of ISWSC’s staff were youthful trailblazers, adding that the WASH ambassadors of the Corporation—young individuals determined to bring positive change, are just like the Catholic youths.

It is significant to note that this advocacy and partnership between ISWSC and the youthful Catholic group forms part of the implementation of the Performance Improvement Action Plan (PIAP) activities and the PDO for Q2.

Christopher Ononukwe
Communications Desk Officer