By Anwuli Obieke
The Delta State Rural Water Supply and Sanitation Agency (RUWASSA) has opened bids for 33 projects under the Sustainable Urban and Rural Water Supply, Sanitation and Hygiene (SURWASH) Programme, aimed at improving access to safe water and sanitation facilities in five local government areas of the state.
The projects, which are located in Ughelli North, Okpe, Isoko South, Ukwuani and Ndokwa West Local Government Areas, are expected to strengthen water supply, sanitation and hygiene services in rural and underserved communities.
The bid opening exercise, attended by the General Manager of RUWASSA, Engr. Clement Adiotomre, marks a significant step towards the implementation of the 2026 SURWASH projects and underscores the agency’s commitment to transparency and accountability in public procurement.
The projects cover the construction of simple solar-powered water schemes, installation of complete solar-powered water systems, rehabilitation of existing water facilities, as well as the provision of Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) facilities in primary schools and primary healthcare centres.
Speaking during the exercise, RUWASSA’s procurement official, Engr. Charles Ehwarieme, clarified that the opening of bids was only one stage of the procurement process, adding that all submissions would undergo thorough evaluation in accordance with established procurement guidelines.
He explained that an evaluation committee would examine the documents submitted by participating contractors to determine their compliance with the requirements before forwarding its findings to the Procurement Committee for further consideration and ratification.
Ehwarieme assured the bidders that the process would follow due procedure, noting that successful contractors would be contacted after the necessary assessments had been completed.
He urged participating companies to remain patient as the agency proceeded with the subsequent stages of the procurement exercise.
The exercise provided an opportunity for contractors and other stakeholders to witness the formal opening of submitted bids, reinforcing the principles of fairness, transparency and accountability in the award of public contracts.
When completed, the 33 projects are expected to improve access to safe and reliable water, enhance sanitation infrastructure and promote better hygiene practices across the five benefiting local government areas.
The intervention is also expected to improve public health and living conditions, particularly in rural communities, schools and primary healthcare facilities where access to adequate water and sanitation services remains essential.
The successful conclusion of the procurement process will pave the way for the commencement of the projects, which form part of the Delta State Government’s efforts to expand access to essential social infrastructure and improve the welfare of residents.
