By Obinwa Chikaodili
Water supply from the Obizi Water Scheme in Aguata Zone has been disrupted following severe erosion damage to a major 12-inch ductile iron pipeline conveying raw water to the scheme’s reservoir, prompting the Anambra State Urban Water Assets Holding Corporation (ASUWAHC) to commence immediate restoration efforts.
The damage was discovered during an on-the-spot inspection of the water scheme and its facilities by the Scheme Manager, Principal Geologist, Mr. Amucheazi Chinedu O., on October 1. The inspection was carried out on the directives of the Corporation’s Officer-in-Charge, Mrs. Emmanuella Okafor, as part of efforts to monitor critical water infrastructure and address challenges affecting service delivery.
The inspection also revealed that the affected 12-inch ductile iron pipeline conveys raw water from the mainstream intake to the reservoir. Severe erosion had damaged the pipeline, leading to the shutdown of the supply line and disruption of water supply from the scheme. Further assessment showed significant siltation at the mainstream and intake point, making urgent dredging and desilting necessary to restore effective water flow and improve the quality of raw water entering the system.
The Scheme Manager in the other hand inspected the distribution and stanchion tanks following a complaint by a resident about discoloured water from a public fetching point. The inspection revealed accumulated sediments in the tanks, necessitating thorough washing, cleaning and disinfection.
Several public fetching points within the scheme were also found to be overgrown with weeds and vegetation, affecting their accessibility and raising hygiene concerns. The inspection recommended immediate clearing of the areas and regular maintenance.
Following the discovery of the damaged pipeline, Amucheazi contacted the OneDot vendor representative responsible for maintenance. The representative subsequently visited the site and joined the Scheme Manager in a joint technical assessment, with repair and maintenance activities scheduled to commence immediately.
The inspection recommended urgent dredging and desilting of the mainstream, thorough cleaning and disinfection of the distribution and stanchion tanks, clearing of vegetation around public fetching points, as well as the repair or replacement of the damaged section of the 12-inch ductile iron pipeline.
ASUWAHC has consequently commenced remedial measures to address the identified infrastructure challenges, with priority placed on repairing the damaged pipeline and rehabilitating other critical components of the scheme to facilitate the restoration of regular water supply to communities served by the Obizi Water Scheme.
The intervention is part of the corporation’s efforts to maintain functional water infrastructure and improve access to safe, clean and sustainable water supply for residents of Anambra State.
Obinwa Chikaodili is of the Ministry of Information and Value Reformation, Anambra State
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