May 22, 2007 -- Northern Ireland Water (NIW) have announced that a consortium led by environmental engineering consultancy MWH has been selected for the implementation of an Asset Management Model for the delivery of the Northern Ireland Asset Management Plan 3 (NIAMP3).
The OneAM consortium includes MWH, United Utilities, EC Harris and ICS Consulting. OneAM will work closely with NIW on the 30 month project to implement its model for asset management and, at the same time, carry out its strategic investment planning for the 2010-2015 period.
George Butler, Asset Management Director at NIW, commented:
"With the newly formed NIW facing challenging efficiency targets, there is a clear need to establish effective asset management policies to ensure that our 1.7 million customers receive the best possible value from our £6 billion asset base.
"This project to implement the Asset Management Model will include taking steps to transform our asset management process, re-evaluate our full Asset Base and deliver the NIAMP3 business plan. This will be fundamental to informing the Northern Ireland Periodic review in 2009 by the economic regulator, Ofreg (NIAUR). It is also vital to ensure the delivery of excellent services to the people of Northern Ireland at the lowest sustainable cost."
The £2 million project will create and embed a best practice asset management approach, informed by skilled people, relevant data, and flexible technology. Through a robust process, this approach will lead to the delivery of a Business Plan which will establish standards to be achieved by NIW from 2010. It will also clearly define the capital and operational costs for the company for the future.
David Smith, MWH UK's Business Strategy Director, commented: "MWH will act as prime consultant in this important project, with EC Harris and ICS Consulting as key team members, and United Utilities as our Water Company partner. The combined team will provide the full capability and depth of resource required, building on our unrivalled track record working together on similar assignments. Appointment to this prestigious project is particularly significant in creating opportunities for the staff at our growing Belfast-based Northern Ireland office."
NIW provides water and wastewater treatment services for 1.76 million domestic and commercial customers in Northern Ireland.
MWH is a global leader in water and environmental engineering. With a staff of 6,000 worldwide, it provides industry-leading, knowledge-driven services to government agencies, utility companies and multinational organizations in more than 36 countries.
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