Edifon ABASI-OBOT
The quality of projects in the Akwa Ibom State water sector has been hailed for consistency with highest standards, clearlydemonstrating thecommitment of Governor Udom Emmanuel to enhancing the health of the people through access to safe and adequate water.
Special Adviser in the Bureau of Political/Legislative Affairs and Water Resources, Barrister Ekong Sampson made the assessment while inspecting newly completed water facilities in some communities in Ndon Ekpe and Idikpa Ikot Ntuen communities in Nsit Atai LGA.
Thrilled by the ecstasy expressed by the people of the communities that were visited,Ekong Sampson assured the people that State Government will continue to collaborate with major stakeholders to ensure Akwa Ibom people have access to the basic need of live, one of which is safe and adequate water.
He described Governor Udom Emmanuel as a people oriented leader and a team player, whosepartnership with EU, UNICEF and the Federal government,has aided the recent boost in the State’s water sector. Barrister Sampson affirmed that State government’s ability to keep faith with meeting its counterpart funding obligationhas engendered the recent Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) projects spray in Nsit Atai and Obot Akara LGAs of the State.
The Special Adviser also inspecting the completed WASH facilities at public schools in Ndon Ekpe and Idikpa Ikot Ntuen communities of Nsit Atai LGA, confirmed that project meet the highest of standards. Reiterated the postulation by his Bureau that it is not enough to say water is life, that good water is life, as some kind of water can actuation be health risk, he said Akwa Ibom State Government is not just concerned with providing water, but workingwith the consciousness that good water is life, more so, when adequate and available to a vast segment of the people.
In his words, “what we are seeing today is a clear testimony to vision, patriotism and good governance. It is a testimony that Akwa Ibom State Government, ably led by His Excellency Mr. Udom Emmanuel, is committed to ensuring that Akwa Ibom people have access to safe and adequate water”, Ekong Sampson said. He also commended the Akwa Ibom Rural Water and Sanitation Agency (AK-RUWATSAN) for showing discipline in monitoring this project to completion, and the EU/UNICEF partners who worked very hard to ensure that these projects are completed.
We have in place a monitoring mechanism in place to ensure the facilities are preserved, but we also challenge the immediate beneficiaries of the project to see the project as theirs, to own up the facilities and protect them. This is very key because when government brings a project to your community, there is a challenge on you to protect that project
Also impressed about sanitation facilities in public primary school in NdonEkpe and IkpaIkotNtuen, in his words, “this is one intervention that will avail our people the advantage of the best environment to function as human beings”, Sampson said. He identifiedpoor hygiene and sanitation as factors responsible for a large chunk of health afflictions,hence the intervention, as government’s effort to safeguarding the health of Akwa Ibom people in rural communities.
The General Manager of AK- RUWATSAN, Mr. Idongesit Ido, commended the genuine interest of Governor Udom Emmanuel in improving the health of rural dwellers in the State. Giving an overview of the project, Mr. Ido said between 2016 when the State Government counterpart fund for AKSG-EU/UNICEF partnership project was released and now, January 2018, 31 solar-powered mini water schemes have been awarded, 19 completed, with 24,000Litres or 12,000Litres overhead tanks and 1.5km reticulation. 11 others are ongoing. 18 sanitation facilities awarded, 9 completed, with provisions for handicap persons. Other sanitation facility projects are ongoing.
The Village Head of Ndon Ekpe, Chief Bassey Edem Okon who was there to receive the inspection team at his community’s project location, expressed gratitude to the State government and the EU/UNICEF for coming to the aid of his community.
“After the obsolete borehole we had for the community went into a state of disrepair, members of the community had to resort to ponds, as the only nearby source of water. To access a better source, you may have to go very far”, Chief Okon said, describing the project as a relief from a serious burden.
The village head assured the Special Adviser and his team of the safety of the facilities within his community. He said the community has set up a very stiff vigilante group to ensure the safety and security of the water facilities. “We will also constantly admonish ourselves that to manage the facilities well so as to enjoy it for a long time”, the Chief added.
The Special Adviser commended the village head of Ndon Ekpe for his interest in the project and for taking steps to protect the infrastructure. He said it was exemplary that NdonEkpe has blazed the trail in community policing of infrastructure, urging other communities in the Stateto borrow a leave from Ndon Ekpe.
In his words, “this presents a challenge to other communities in the State to see critical infrastructure in their midst as theirs and spare no efforts in protecting such infrastructure from vandalism. It is saddening sometimes when one sees basic infrastructures being vandalized, some pilfered wantonly, but in Ndon Ekpe, the community stands out in protection of such facility”.
Accompanying the Special Adviser on the inspection were: Permanent Secretary, Bureau of Political/Legislative Affairs and Water Resources, Mr. Nse Edem, UNICEF Wash Consultant, Engr. Simon Orlu, Director of Mobilization in the Bureau, Dr. Unwana Udoh, Management Staff of AK-RUWATSAN and others.
