In significant continuation of the implementation of the Performance Action Plan (PIAP) activities and the PDO for Q4, Imo State Water and Sewerage Corporation (ISWSC) took part in an interactive session held Monday, 23 October 2023. The meeting which also had the presence of other implementing states such as Plateau, Katsina, Kaduna, Gombe, Ekiti, and Delta showcased remarkable progress in the implementation of PIAP and provided a platform to discuss completed activities, ongoing initiatives and future plans of each state.

At the state’s urban level, the Managing Director and CEO of ISWSC Engr Emeka Celestine Ugoanyanwu acknowledged sanitation mandate as unclear. He however informed the meeting about the various sanitation activities ISWSC has executed in continuation of the implementation of PIAP and PDO.

He further noted that ISWSC is in the advanced stage of its procurement process, with completion anticipated within seven days, disclosing that “Invitation to Tender for 2023 NG-SURWASH Categories B & C Projects” has been published on newspapers.

Among some of the achievements in DLI 3 are development and approval of a ISWSC corporate philosophy, composition of seven-member budget preparation committee, launch of 24/7 internet services, constitution of RRER (Rapid Response, Emergency Repair), and institution of the RRER policy consultative forum. Additionally, a Gender Equality and Social Inclusion (GESI) policy has been developed and approved to ensure that the corporation’s initiatives are inclusive.

The ISWSC is embracing technological advancements, such as hydraulic modeling, internet services, and Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) software upgrades with the inclusion of accounting and communication modules. These initiatives will help streamline operations and improve customer service.

Empowering the workforce is a top priority, said Engr Ugoananyanwu. ISWSC has developed a compensation policy, approved budget templates, and aligned financial reporting with the IFRS double-entry accounts system. Additionally, staff have been trained in various areas, including Gender Risk Mitigation (GRM) and Gender-Based Violence (GBV).

ISWSC is dedicated to improving the customer experience. In line with Utility of the Future (UoF), it has created customer complaint channels on its website UoF), procured and installed smart prepaid household water meters, and reviewed and updated existing tariff studies.

On DLI 7, the Managing Director stressed that ISWSC is making significant strides for the construction and rehabilitation five institutional WASH facilities that will benefit approximately 8,800 beneficiaries. He displayed newspaper publications showing invitation to tender for prospective consultants to apply. He concluded that ISWSC is committed to achieving the set targets of improving SURWASH services for the people of Imo State.

The meeting concluded with suggestions and observations from FPIU/World Bank officials on the program of implementation status to better implementing states’ performance.

Christopher Ononukwe
Communications Desk Officer