In continuation of the Performance Improvement Action Plan (PIAP) activities and the PDO for Q2, ISWSC, yesterday, joined forces with NBC Ltd, OPS-WASH, Irete Community’s traditional ruler with his cabinet, and other stakeholders to commission a groundbreaking WASH project in Irete Community, Owerri.
The official unveiling of this transformative initiative, which signified a significant step towards achieving Sustainable Development Goal 6 (SDG 6) by NBC Ltd and the global coordinating body for private sector engagement in water, sanitation, and hygiene (OPS-WASH) in Owerri, Nigeria, took place at the open field of St. Paul’s Primary School in Irete, Owerri.
The project, a state-of-the-art 10-room toilet facility equipped with a borehole, overhead tank, water taps, biodigester, and sanitary facilities, is set to provide clean water and promote good hygiene services for over 1 million Nigerians. More than just a convenience, these facilities represent a lifeline to improved health, dignity, and prosperity for the communities they serve.
The event was graced by prominent figures and key stakeholders in the realm of water, sanitation, and hygiene. The Managing Director and CEO of Imo State Water and Sewerage Corporation (ISWSC), Engr. Emeka Celestine Ugoanyanwu, delivered a passionate speech supported with ISWSC advocacy radio jingles in Igbo and English Pidgin as part of the Social and Behavioral Change Communication (SBCC) campaigns. He emphasized the crucial role of Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) and highlighted the detrimental impact of hazardous human activities on water sources, including the alarming depletion of Nwoye River, Otamiri River, and Njaba River.
Engr. Ugoanyanwu also drew inspiration from Pope Francis’ advocacy on environmental issues, particularly referencing “Laudato Si,” and urged the Irete community to ensure the security and sustainability of the newly commissioned facility. He noted that the project meets international standards in terms of quality and social inclusiveness and is a powerful tool in combating open defecation. He further expressed the Corporation’s commitment to partnering with the traditional ruler and the host community to ensure long-term success.
Other prominent speakers at the event included Ifeoma Okoye, NBC’s CA&S Manager, who gave the opening remarks and address of welcome. Dr. Joan Ijeoma Arimanwa, a representative of OPS-WASH, spoke passionately about the essential role of the organized private sector in achieving water, sanitation, and hygiene goals.
Collins Dike, NBC Plant Manager, underscored the significance of this initiative in aligning with corporate responsibility and sustainability objectives. Representatives from the Office of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in Imo State, the Commissioner of Lands and Physical Planning, and the Commissioner of Environment, among other government officials, were also present to lend their support.
The highlight of the event was the official commissioning and inspection of the facility, with attendees participating in a group photo to commemorate this momentous occasion.
The commissioning of this SDG 6 project is not just a celebration of achievement but a call to action, inspiring others to join in the mission to create a more sustainable and equitable future for all.
NG-SURWASH: ISWSC Joins Forces with NBC Ltd, Others to Unveil SDG 6 Project in Owerri
In continuation of the Performance Improvement Action Plan (PIAP) activities and the PDO for Q2, ISWSC, yesterday, joined forces with NBC Ltd, OPS-WASH, Irete Community’s traditional ruler with his cabinet, and other stakeholders to commission a groundbreaking WASH project in Irete Community, Owerri.
The official unveiling of this transformative initiative, which signified a significant step towards achieving Sustainable Development Goal 6 (SDG 6) by NBC Ltd and the global coordinating body for private sector engagement in water, sanitation, and hygiene (OPS-WASH) in Owerri, Nigeria, took place at the open field of St. Paul’s Primary School in Irete, Owerri.
The project, a state-of-the-art 10-room toilet facility equipped with a borehole, overhead tank, water taps, biodigester, and sanitary facilities, is set to provide clean water and promote good hygiene services for over 1 million Nigerians. More than just a convenience, these facilities represent a lifeline to improved health, dignity, and prosperity for the communities they serve.
The event was graced by prominent figures and key stakeholders in the realm of water, sanitation, and hygiene. The Managing Director and CEO of Imo State Water and Sewerage Corporation (ISWSC), Engr. Emeka Celestine Ugoanyanwu, delivered a passionate speech supported with ISWSC advocacy radio jingles in Igbo and English Pidgin as part of the Social and Behavioral Change Communication (SBCC) campaigns. He emphasized the crucial role of Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) and highlighted the detrimental impact of hazardous human activities on water sources, including the alarming depletion of Nwoye River, Otamiri River, and Njaba River.
Engr. Ugoanyanwu also drew inspiration from Pope Francis’ advocacy on environmental issues, particularly referencing “Laudato Si,” and urged the Irete community to ensure the security and sustainability of the newly commissioned facility. He noted that the project meets international standards in terms of quality and social inclusiveness and is a powerful tool in combating open defecation. He further expressed the Corporation’s commitment to partnering with the traditional ruler and the host community to ensure long-term success.
Other prominent speakers at the event included Ifeoma Okoye, NBC’s CA&S Manager, who gave the opening remarks and address of welcome. Dr. Joan Ijeoma Arimanwa, a representative of OPS-WASH, spoke passionately about the essential role of the organized private sector in achieving water, sanitation, and hygiene goals.
Collins Dike, NBC Plant Manager, underscored the significance of this initiative in aligning with corporate responsibility and sustainability objectives. Representatives from the Office of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in Imo State, the Commissioner of Lands and Physical Planning, and the Commissioner of Environment, among other government officials, were also present to lend their support.
The highlight of the event was the official commissioning and inspection of the facility, with attendees participating in a group photo to commemorate this momentous occasion.
The commissioning of this SDG 6 project is not just a celebration of achievement but a call to action, inspiring others to join in the mission to create a more sustainable and equitable future for all.
Christopher Ononukwe
Communications Desk Officer