Following the successful completion of Technical Cooperation on Water Supply Business Advisor Project between Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) and the FCT Water Board (FCTWB), the Permanent Secretary of the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) Mr. Olusade Adesola has assured residents of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) of marginal improvement of water supply by the FCT Water Board within the next few years.

Mr. Adesola gave the assurance in his Office in Garki, Area Eleven-Abuja, when the Project Team and Advisor-Financial Analysis and Business Improvement of JICA, Mr. Shimomura Akihiro paid a courtesy visit to the Permanent Secretary.

Represented by the Director, Special Duties and Strategy in the Office of the Permanent Secretary, Mr. Udo Samuel Atang, Mr. Adesola who said he is elated on the completion of the Technical Cooperation of the Water Supply Business Advisor Project, also expressed optimism that the Project would enhance the financial management and operational efficiency of FCT Water Board.

“I am delighted to witness the successful completion of this unique Project, which is borne out of the need to strengthen the capacity of FCT Water Board business and financial management operations, in its transition to a government owned corporate organization, in line with the FCT Water Establishment Act, 2017 as gazetted, he said,”

According to the Permanent Secretary, the Project which was extended to August 2022 has given both parties adequate time to brainstorm on critical areas, which has resulted in achieving a number of feats, ranging from the inclusion of Medium-Term Strategic Plan in the 2022 FCT Statutory Budget, scale-up of Smartbills System, amongst others.

He said, looking back at the briefing during the earlier courtesy visit to the Administration in August 2021, it could be seen that a whole lot was achieved, justifying the reason for the extension of the Advisor Project to August 2022, which include:

The inclusion of Medium-Term Strategic Plan on the Non-Revenue Water (NRW) in the 2022 Statutory Budgetary Appropriation of FCT, to ensure NRW measures are carried out continuously.

Implementation of the Proof Concept (POC-2) Project-scale up of Smartbills System in the FCTWB, to improve operational efficiency, which I was signatory to the Minutes of Meetings.

Proposal for New Technical Cooperation between the FCTWB and JICA being processed, to further strengthen the business management base.

Mr. Adesola who assured JICA of more stronger partnership between the FCT Administration and the Agency, stressing that the Advisor Project signals brighter future for FCT Water Board.

Earlier, the Project Team Leader and Advisor, Mr. Shimomura Akihiro remarked that the initiative would enhance the business operations and financial management of the FCTWB as well as ensure the sustainability of the Board.