Currently, they are hard at work after we recently received the go-ahead from regulatory officials to resume non-emergency construction. Said work includes initiatives such as: replaceing small diameter water mains at an annual rate of 20 miles of pipe per year; replacing a considerable amount of storm drains from our network of approximately 24,500; and restoring street and sidewalks, especially during warm weather when asphalt plants are open.

Senior Manager of Construction Don Gawne (left) and Project Manager Manda Metzger (right)

Senior Manager of Construction Don Gawne made the transition from a consultant to Senior Manager of Construction in late 2019. In his role with PWSA, he consults with his departmental colleagues in order to keep tabs on the progress of a variety of projects that aim to improve the efficiency of our water and sewer infrastructure. As a proponent of the “work smarter not harder” approach to Getting Stuff Done, Don remarked that he reminds himself of the quote “Is the juice really worth the squeeze?” when ranking the many projects on the Team’s docket in terms of criticality. 

Project Manager Manda Metzger manages multiple construction projects at any given time, including contracts for storm drain replacement, street and sidewalk restoration, and others. The now-complete Smallman Street Water and Sewer Reconstruction Project is one of her most prominent projects. It included the replacement of over 7,000 feet of water line, storm sewer, and sanitary sewer over the course of a year. Manda said, “I am responsible for the accuracy and accountability of specific project timelines, resources, and expenditures.” 

Project Manager Rasheed “Tunde” Ibrahim

Project Manager Rasheed “Tunde” Ibrahim manages urgent contracts and other pipe installation projects. He is currently tasked with project initiation, project monitoring and control, and project closeout. “In other words, I track the project finances, schedules, and documentation and bring the project to a close,” said Tunde. 

Project Manager John Waida

Project Manager John Waida was hired this spring after having previously served as one of our consultants. “Needless to say, the transition has been different. I have yet to sit at my desk in the office,” said John. His current role at PWSA is to assist with urgent water and sewer repair contracts. Other recent projects John is involved with include the Lanpher Rising Main Project and the 10th Street Sinkhole Restoration. He also visits other urgent sites to check progress and resolve site issues.