ABSTRACT

In this thesis, a diagnostic assessment of the entire water supply distribution network was carried out in order to evaluate problems associated with water supply in Minna. This assessment was carried out by conducting inventory of all the facilities in the entire water supply distribution network by onsite, physical and visual inspection of all the elements in the distribution system during operation. Qualitative assessment of equipment/facilities physical conditions and functionality was conducted using numeric rating of 0-4. The situational analysis of the system was also carried out using performance indicators such as SPEM, SERA and SWOT analyses. Detailed evaluation of overall operation and maintenance and pumping schedule plan was looked into. The results clearly shows that the transmission pipes, service reservoirs, pumping stations and valves in the distribution system are in good physical condition and are functioning properly. However, most of leakages and burst occur in asbestos pipe in the distribution system and valves in the transmission system. The system has 56% operation and 70% human resources capacity with the total evaluation capacity using SPEM as 60%. While the performance evaluation using SERAwas 39%. The type of maintenance carried out is simple reactive rehabilitation approach any time there is failure. A suggestion of proactive rehabilitation was made which is better than reactive rehabilitation approach. Thus, it will be appropriate to pump water from 0000 to 0600 hours and 1200 to 1800 hours to meet the water demand and minimised cost of operation. The sum of Nineteen Million Two Hundred and Nineteen Thousand naira (N19,219,000:00) would be required to repair the pumps and replaced the valves that are in bad condition.

CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

1.1 PREAMBLE

Water is a primary life-giving resource. Its availability is an essential component in socio-economic development and poverty reduction. Water is fundamental to our way of life at whatever point in the socio-economic spectrum a community may be situated.

The essential paradox of water supply in developing countries is that, in one sense, everyone has a water supply, in another sense, most people have not. Water is essential for life and all human communities must have some kind of water source. It may be dirty, it may be in adequate in volume and it may be several hours walk away but, nevertheless some water must be available. However, if reasonable criterion of adequacy- in term of the quantity, quality and availability of water- then most people in developing countries do not have an adequate supply (Cairncrossand Feachem, 1988)

More so, delivery of safe reliable supply of drinking water to consumers tap depends on the integrity of the distribution system. The pipe networks, extending over large areasencompasses multiple connections and points of access typically constituting the bulk of water utility assets. Propermanagement of water system is crucial for ensuring sustainability of a given water resource, maintaining high quality water resources, and maximizing the utility’s ability to respond to profound operating conditions.

1.2 STATEMENT OF THE PROBLEM

Minna water distribution network consists of the pumping station, distribution piping which comprises of transmission mains and distribution mains, valves, hydrants and service reservoirs. Mays (2004) opined that a water distribution system operates as a system of……..