Otamiri River, a vital source of raw water for Imo State Water and Sewerage Corporation (ISWSC), is under existential threat from massive pollution caused by debris, plastic cans, and solid waste during the rainy season.
The Resident Engineer of Otamiri Waterworks Engr Stanislus O. Okolie reported this incident, yesterday. The Managing Director and ISWSC Engr Emeka Celestine Ugoanyanwu in a swift response visited the intake works of Otamiri Treatment Plant for on-the-spot assessment. Engr Ugoanyanwu decried the devastation being caused by indiscriminate dumping of refuse into our water bodies and waterways, promising to engage Imo State Waste Management Agency and the Ministry of Environment for urgent action.
With numerous drainages in Owerri interconnected with either Otamiri River or Nworie River, the rainy season exacerbates the problem as all sorts of debris, including plastic cans, nylon bags, and solid waste, flow downstream towards ISWSC’s intake station.
To combat this issue, ISWSC has implemented control measures aimed at trapping littered debris while allowing water to flow into their mini-dam, ultimately filling their raw water tank. However, the situation remains critical, and long-term solutions are needed. There is an urgent need for collaboration to save the multi-billion naira treatment plant as the sediment load is increasing the cost of water treatment and poses a threat to the treatment plant. Continued destruction of the ecosystems will adversely affect the health and general well being of residents of Imo state.
Massive Pollution Threatens Otamiri River
Otamiri River, a vital source of raw water for Imo State Water and Sewerage Corporation (ISWSC), is under existential threat from massive pollution caused by debris, plastic cans, and solid waste during the rainy season.
The Resident Engineer of Otamiri Waterworks Engr Stanislus O. Okolie reported this incident, yesterday. The Managing Director and ISWSC Engr Emeka Celestine Ugoanyanwu in a swift response visited the intake works of Otamiri Treatment Plant for on-the-spot assessment. Engr Ugoanyanwu decried the devastation being caused by indiscriminate dumping of refuse into our water bodies and waterways, promising to engage Imo State Waste Management Agency and the Ministry of Environment for urgent action.
With numerous drainages in Owerri interconnected with either Otamiri River or Nworie River, the rainy season exacerbates the problem as all sorts of debris, including plastic cans, nylon bags, and solid waste, flow downstream towards ISWSC’s intake station.
To combat this issue, ISWSC has implemented control measures aimed at trapping littered debris while allowing water to flow into their mini-dam, ultimately filling their raw water tank. However, the situation remains critical, and long-term solutions are needed. There is an urgent need for collaboration to save the multi-billion naira treatment plant as the sediment load is increasing the cost of water treatment and poses a threat to the treatment plant. Continued destruction of the ecosystems will adversely affect the health and general well being of residents of Imo state.
Christopher Ononukwe
Communications Desk Officer