On September 4, 2024, a distinguished delegation from USAID, led by Mercy Corps, undertook a one-day visit to the Imo State Water and Sewerage Corporation (ISWSC). Upon their arrival at ISWSC Headquarters, they received a cordial welcome from the Managing Director/CEO, Engr. Peter Chukwuma, alongside the senior management team of the corporation.

Following an introductory dialogue with the USAID representatives and the Managing Director, the delegation proceeded to the Otamiri Treatment Plant for a comprehensive site assessment. This visit was conducted under the expert guidance of the MD and the ISWSC management team.

Mr. Isa Iyoritim, the Mission Environmental Officer, elucidated the primary purpose of the visit: to scrutinize the environmental implications of the Otamiri and Egbeada Water Supply Scheme. The assessment was designed to ascertain that the proposed replacement of existing asbestos cement pipes with new pipelines would not precipitate resettlement issues that might negatively impact local communities. Furthermore, the evaluation aimed to verify that the project’s operations would not engender adverse environmental effects.

The insights gained from this visit will be instrumental in securing the approval of the environmental deferral resolution, thus facilitating the initiation of construction activities. This will ensure that the community continues to have reliable access to safe water.

Conclusively, the USAID team’s visit to ISWSC was a delegation visit aimed at assessing the environmental aspects of the water supply scheme and ensuring responsible project planning and Commencement of Construction activity.

Uzoamaka Odom
Communication Officer