China Geo-engineering Corporation (CGC) Nigeria Ltd. has reaffirmed its dedication to enhancing water supply capacity in Nigeria through the construction of four pipeline loops, resulting in a daily increase of 480,000 cubic meters. This commitment was communicated in a statement released on Saturday via the AU's website. The project involves the installation of 415 kilometers of ductile-iron water distribution pipelines with diameters ranging from DN1500 to DN200.
The Water Supply Division of CGC is highlighted in the statement as possessing substantial advantages in international engineering projects, competitive capabilities in water project construction, and effective management of project subcontracting. The organization is also recognized for its matching expertise in design consulting, operation management, and market growth, all of which contribute significantly to Nigeria's economic and social development.
The statement notes that CGC has been actively involved in water plant construction across Nigeria since 2001, having built over 100 water plants in 36 states. This extensive effort has positively impacted the daily lives of 70 million people, boosting both production and water supply.
One notable project mentioned is the Greater Abuja Water Supply Project, initiated in May 2021 and executed by the Water Supply Division of CGC Nigeria Limited. This significant infrastructure development in Nigeria's capital, managed by the Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA) and financed in collaboration with the Export-Import Bank of China, aims to augment the city's water supply capacity by constructing four pipeline loops, thus achieving a daily increase of 480,000 cubic meters. The extensive network includes 415 kilometers of ductile-iron water distribution pipelines with diameters varying from DN1500 to DN200.
The completion of the project, as highlighted in the statement, is anticipated to alleviate water scarcity in 50 districts, benefiting approximately 2.5 million residents. It characterizes the initiative not solely as a water supply project but as a comprehensive strategy to enhance the quality of life in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), ensuring the provision of safe, reliable, and abundant water to its inhabitants.
The project's social advantages are manifold, elevating living standards through the installation and activation of water supply pipelines that connect the final segment of the water supply system. This expansion is poised to triple the city's water supply capacity, increasing it from 240,000 cubic meters per day to 720,000 cubic meters per day. This substantial augmentation effectively tackles the longstanding water scarcity issue in the FCT, contributing to an enhanced quality of life and improved health for residents.
Furthermore, the initiative is expected to generate employment opportunities, directly employing over a thousand indigenous workers during the construction phase and indirectly creating additional job openings. It acts as a stimulus for local employment and income growth while fostering the development of Nigerian talents and enhancing local personnel skills and quality.
In addition to promoting sustainable development, the project optimizes the operation of the existing water plant, minimizing resource wastage. The organization plans to broaden its reach to water users, enhance the efficiency of the water supply system, establish a virtuous cycle, and lay the groundwork for the long-term and stable development of water supply services.
The statement assures that the project will reinforce the FCT's water supply system, providing a crucial foundation for its economic, social, and cultural development. It is positioned not only to enhance the local region but also to contribute positively to Nigeria's international image and soft power. As a reputable Chinese company with expertise in various sectors, including road and bridge construction, agriculture, mining, water supply, irrigation, drilling, real estate, manufacturing, and trade, CGC remains at the forefront of these transformative initiatives in Nigeria.