The Executive Director of Nigeria Integrated Water Resources Management Commission (NIWRMC), Engr. Magashi Umar Bashir has on Wednesday inaugurated A-10 Man Technical Committee at the Commission’s headquarters in Abuja. The Committee which is charged with the responsibility of developing a policy framework on Water Use Metering Equipment and other ancillary equipment for importers and manufacturers, has its members drawn from the academia, public and private sectors respectively.
The Director Water Allocation and Authorisation, Mr. Shazali Uba Ajingi in his welcome remarks said, water metering including its associated equipment is a method that helps users to account for the quantity of water consumed. Whilst noting that it is a public water resources management component aimed at monitoring water usage in order to reduce rate of consumption and waste. He noted that there is an improper management of water meters and data information which has resulted in increased water loss, with the attendant reduction in the nation’s revenue.
Consequently, the policy when developed, he said, is expected to: provide procedures for a standard water metering and ancillary equipment that will enhance the management, operation and maintenance of the Nigerian water sector; develop general requirements, standards and specifications for importation or manufacturers of all water metering and other ancillary equipment for use in the Nigerian water sector and make mandatory scheduled and regular maintenance as well as recalibration of installed water metering and ancillary equipment in the country to ensure accurate readings and effective functioning.
It will be recalled that the Nigeria Integrated Water Resources Management Commission (NIWRMC), had in 2021 submitted an action memorandum to the National Council on Water Resources seeking approval to develop a policy framework on water use metering equipment and other ancillary equipment (surface and groundwater) for importers and manufacturers. This is in line with its mandate of regulating, protecting, conserving and controlling water sources for equitable socio-economic development. Interestingly, the project was approved by the National Council on Water Resources at its 28th Meeting in Abuja on 21st December, 2021.
While delivering his key note address, the Executive Director, Engr. Magashi stated that very few facilities in the country are currently having metering devices installed; stressing that the internal components of these devices usually wear off, thus reducing the level of their accuracy and efficiency. He posited therefore, that this progressive drop in metering accuracy would in most cases result in revenue loss due to under-accounting of the volume of used water. He maintained that this underscores the need for occasional maintenance and recalibration of installed meters.
Accordingly, the objective of the policy framework is to contribute towards the development of an effective water metering equipment and other ancillary equipment for use by the Commission and other agencies where public water supply is viable. He expressed optimism that States and their Agencies, LGAs as well as private entities will use the policy document as a tool to ensure standard water metering equipment for proper regulations.
The Executive Director urged members of the committee to contribute meaningfully so as to craft an acceptable policy documents on all metering and other ancillary equipment for usage with a view to engendering proper regulations in the Nation’s water sector.
Sampson Ikemitang
Head (Press & Public Relations)