By Christopher Ononukwe

The Imo WASH sector has continued to record monumental achievements since Gov Hope Uzodimma took over the leadership of the state. As the people continue to celebrate the successful swearing-in of this administration for a yet another tenure, the trends and performances of the sector are revealed, measured, and assessed. Of all technocrats in the sector, one name resonates with honesty, dedication, and an eye for transformative impacts— Engr Emeka Celestine Ugoanyanwu, a trusted and competent aide of the governor. Despite the recent campaigns of calumny against his person, Ugoanyanwu remains a fine technocrat in the Imo State Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) sector. His unwavering commitment for positive results has not only elevated the sector in the last 14 years but has positioned him as the indomitable goose through whom Gov Hope Uzodimma lays the golden egg. Undeniably, this catalyzes positive change and sustainable development in the sector.

Ugoanyanwu's journey in the WASH sector is more than a professional pursuit; it is a passion-driven odyssey as a first-class graduate of Federal University of Technology (FUTO), Owerri, who began his career as a public servant in 1987, deployed to the then Imo Public Utilities Board and rose to the rank of an esteemed Managing Director of Imo State Water and Sewerage Corporation (formerly Imo Water Board). He was also a member of the National Technical Committee on Water Resources. Between 2007 and 2011, he served as a consultant to the World Bank-funded MDGs on Water and Sanitation Program in the state, ensuring that access to public water supply in Imo increased beyond 70 per cent. His tenure (2001-2013) as the General Manager of Imo Water Development Agency (IWADA) extended beyond providing clean water, sanitation and hygiene services; it encompassed the empowerment of communities, witnessing the construction of over 134 water schemes and rehabilitation of more than 400 abandoned water schemes and sanitation facilities across the then 570 autonomous communities, including the small town regions of Imo state. Ugoanyanwu's name has become synonymous with the Imo WASH sector, beginning with his signature projects in IWADA (now ISSTOWA). His transformative initiatives included registering IWADA as a contractor with the Federal Ministry of Water Resources (FMWR) and other agencies. This initiative increased the IGR of the agency. With the revenue generated Engr Ugoanyanwu procured a water supply tanker, a bedford tipper truck and project vehicles for the agency. These informed the 2006 launch of “Water For All Program” in which areas that did not have water supply projects were assisted with regular supply of water supply using the tanker truck. The same water supply tanker has been abandoned at the State Civil Service Secretariat Complex since 2013, while the tipper truck was said to have been auctioned by those who allegedly orchestrated his removal in 2013. Since he left IWADA, several of the infrastructure have suffered maintenance issues. However, it is uncontestable fact that he was the longest serving Chief Executive Officer of any water agency in the state (if not in Nigeria), culminating to over 17 years of service as the CEO of the state water agencies. 

What sets Gov Uzodimma apart is his passion to deliver intimidating milestones which can be seen through Ugoanyanwu's genuine commitment and initiatives in the urban WASH. Engr Ugoanyanwu  understands that sustainable change requires active participation from the grassroots. His initiatives involve the community and stakeholders at every stage, from project planning to implementation, instilling a sense of ownership and responsibility—a key component of his SBCC campaign programs. In a sector fraught with challenges and pull-him-down syndrome, Ugoanyanwu's leadership shines. Where other agencies' CEOs failed, perhaps, because of fear of the uncertainties, Ugoanyanwu would go and succeed. Whether overcoming infrastructural hurdles or navigating bureaucratic complexities, he remained resolute with enduring accomplishments that still intimidate his detractors. Gov Uzodimma's ability to see opportunities—his ability to turn challenges into opportunities—has become a hallmark of his leadership, ensuring the continuous flow of the golden eggs through his trusted aide. 

Ugoanyanwu is not merely content with immediate results; he champions the cause of sustainability in project implementation. As a Social and Behavioral Communication Change (SBCC) expert, his advocacy for environment-friendly practices in water management and sanitation echoes a commitment to leaving lasting legacies, where the golden egg keeps multiplying for generations to come. His contributions have not gone unnoticed. From under-the-mango-tree-office around Bala Suya Junction to a world-class office complex, all offices at Imo State Water and Sewerage Corporation are tiled with their own convenience, equipped with ultramodern equipment, air-conditioners, fans, intercoms, solar energy, desktop computers, website, and constant 24/7 internet access both at the head office complex and Otamiri Treatment Plant. Imo Water Board is the only water corporation in Nigeria with free and regular 24/7 internet access that allows online real-time water treatment monitoring and surveillance.  

At the time Engr. Ugoanyanwu took over the management of Imo Water Corporation in 2019, Otamiri Waterworks were a herders’ site for grazing and the filter beds used as a watering trough for cattle, even as the site lacked access road and solar streetlights. How beautiful is the site of Otamiri Waterworks now! Indeed, first tenure of Gov Uzodimma Ugoanyanwu witnessed a fundamental facelift of Otammiri Waterworks and the Corporation's booster stations. Weeding of the Treatment Section of Otamiri Treatment Plant (OTP) began. The filter beds were rehabilitated, pipe networks replaced in many areas, aerators restored, an engineering workshop established and equipped with basic tools, 2 KM internal road networks constructed for the waterworks and the replacement of new chemical dosing and vertical turbine pumps took place. Other accomplishments include the rehabilitation of Imo State Civil Service Secretariat Water Project/Modular Treatment Unit, Ekenguru, Eluama Orlu,  Oleme Orlu, Orji (with access road network approved), Egbeada and IMSU water schemes, as well as Okigwe Urban Borehole Water Project. With this rehabilitation of the water scheme at Imo State Civil Service Secretariat Complex, water supply was restored to serve civil servants, government appointees and other residents within the axis of the complex.
There was a complete reactivation of Government House Water Project, including the construction of 2 numbers Braithwaite tanks, as repairs of pipe networks were carried out at Chukwuma Nwoha Road, Onitsha Road, and other places. Through Ugoanyanwu’s leadership, the Shared Prosperity Government also witnessed the rehabilitation of air compressor 350psi for borehole development, procurement of chemicals, provision of diesel, construction of perimeter block fence and a brand new biophysical and baterio-chemical laboratory unit equipped for water testing and analysis, the procurement of mobile testing kits. On capacity building, Ugoanyanwu facilitated recruitment of competent youths across the three senatorial zones, as he also ensured the training of staff to enhance their capacity. Three of the Corporation’s staff have undergone training in Georgetown University of America. All thanks to the state government and development partners including, the United States' Engendering Industries, Nigerian Bottling Company, Anambra/Imo River Basin Development Authority, the World Bank, USAID and the Bill & Melinda Gates foundation, etc. The water agency is indeed the only water utility in Nigeria currently partnering with the Engendering industries of America. The outcome of the partnership, amongst others, includes ongoing construction of the lactation room and the development of a human resources manual for the sector in Imo state. In 2022, Imo State Water and Sewerage Corporation (ISWSC) was awarded a certificate as a Utility of the Future (UoF)—one of the only five utilities in Nigeria. Recognition from both local and international bodies highlights the impact of Ugoanyanwu's work. He attracted NG-SURWASH to the state. Under his watch, Imo State Water and Sewerage Corporation was recognized as the Best Developed Urban Water Supply and Sanitation Performance Improvement Action Plan (PIAP) among the seven states. This earned financial disbursement to the state by World Bank. It is on record that ISWSC brought the SURWASH expression of interest, packaged it, submitted necessary documents for eligibility, and developed PEF for the implementing agencies and the IPF for SPIU. Collaborations with various stakeholders further amplify the reach and effectiveness of his initiatives, turning the golden eggs into beacons of inspiration. 

In Gov Uzodimma through Ugoanyanwu, Imo WASH sector has indeed found a visionary leader—a goose that not only lays golden egg but nurtures a culture of positive change and sustainable development. No matter the level of venomous gossip and flimsy financial allegations against Ugoanyanwu, as his personality and contributions in WASH resonate, evidence of his intimidating legacies in the sector is loud and clear, casting a bright light on the path towards a healthier, more prosperous Imo. As consolidation of achievements of the 3Rs begins, the WASH-friendly governor of Imo State should not allow envious detractors to undermine the invaluable contributions of this aide through whom the administration lays the golden egg in the WASH sector.

Christopher Ononukwe, a WASH and Public Policy analyst, writes via christopherononukwe@gmail.com