In significant continuation of the implementation of the Performance Improvement Plan (PIAP) and the PDO for Q3, the Maintenance Planning Unit of Imo State Water and Sewerage Corporation (ISWSC) was inaugurated under the Department of Engineering Services, yesterday. The ceremony, held at the Corporation’s Conference Hall, marked a pivotal step in embracing planned maintenance practices and strengthening the infrastructure of ISWSC.

The inauguration began with Engr Boniface Chuwudi Onyeji, Director/Head of Engineering Services, introducing the objectives of the Maintenance Planning Unit, highlighting the importance of maintenance culture in ensuring the continued availability and effective utilization of assets, particularly in the face of global economic challenges.

Engr Henry Adiruo, Head of Water Services, then delivered a compelling workshop talk on the significance of maintenance in the water supply sector. He emphasized the role of planned maintenance in lengthening asset lifespan, reducing the risk of breakdowns, and increasing operational efficiency. He concluded with a powerful statement, “No maintenance, no sustainability.”

After a series of informative sessions with question and answer, the Managing Director and CEO of ISWSC, Engr Emeka Celestine Ugoanyanwu, welcomed the participants who were billed to include all heads of departments, key units closely under the Managing Director, PIAP team members, and PC/SPIU officials, and officially inaugurated the Maintenance Planning Unit. While noting that the maintenance cuts across all departments and units in the Corporation, he underscored the vital role maintenance plays in ensuring the reliability and efficiency of the Corporation’s operations.

“Inaugurating the Maintenance Planning Unit is a significant step in our journey towards responsible infrastructure management. We are entrusted with the task of providing affordable, accessible and safely managed water and sanitation services to the people of Imo State, and this initiative reinforces our commitment to that mission,” stated Engr Ugoanyanwu.

He further emphasized that the Maintenance Planning Unit’s primary role is to proactively plan maintenance, minimizing downtime and the associated costs of breakdowns. “Planned maintenance is key to optimizing our operations, reducing risks, and ensuring the highest safety standards. Without it, we cannot fulfill our mission,” he added.

The MD/CEO expressed his gratitude to the state government for their unwavering support and encouraged the Maintenance Planning Unit to maintain detailed documentation of their activities, including minutes of meetings and photographic evidence, for reference purposes. He also highlighted the importance of maintaining their gear and adhering to a strict maintenance and safely schedule. He added that filing and documentation with photographic evidence is what all department and committees should keep in mind as they embark on their tasks.

Following the Managing Director’s remarks, the Maintenance Planning Unit was officially inaugurated. The members of the unit include Engr. Stanislaus Okwuchukwu, Resident Engineer of Otamiri Waterworks; Engr. Victor Kelechi Amaifeobu, Mechanical; Engr. Evans Emeji, Principal Works Superintendent; Engr. Nwamba Philomena Okebidi, Electrical. Others are Engr Chukwudi Camillus Okereke, HTO Mechanical; Engr. John-Kennedy Nduwuba, HTO Mechanical; Mr Chukwudi Sylvanus Anyanwu, W/S (Plumbing); Mr Christogonud Chikizie Nwachi, W/S (Plumbing); and Mr Okechukwu Camillus Akpuchukwu, Craftsman Plumbing.

The participants gathered for a group photo, symbolizing the beginning of a new era in the maintenance of ISWSC’s infrastructure.

Christopher Ononukwe
Communications Desk Officer