The Cross River State Governor, Senator Bassey Edet Otu, has begun moves to restore access to potable water across the state’s three senatorial districts as part of efforts to address long-standing water shortages affecting residents.
The initiative, which focuses on reviving existing water infrastructure and introducing solar-powered borehole systems, is aimed at ensuring a more reliable and sustainable water supply for households and businesses.
The Commissioner for Water Resources, Barr. Offiong Mensah, who spoke in Calabar, said the administration was worried about the difficulty many communities continue to face in accessing clean water despite the state’s abundant water resources.
He described the situation as unacceptable and said government was already working on practical measures to change it.
Mensah noted that over 600 boreholes installed across the state with support from development partners had become largely non-functional, mainly due to reliance on fuel-powered generators that are difficult to maintain.
He explained that the government’s decision to convert the facilities to solar-powered systems was to reduce running costs, improve efficiency, and guarantee steady water supply.
He expressed optimism that the intervention would improve access to clean water in affected communities once fully implemented, alongside plans to strengthen the operations of the State Water Board.
The Commissioner also cited some recently completed solar-powered boreholes at Primary School Academy, Government Girls’ Secondary School, Big Qua, and Edgerley Memorial Girls’ Secondary School in Calabar, noting that they are already serving surrounding communities.
Mensah urged residents to remain patient with the administration of Governor Otu, assuring that the ongoing reforms are designed to provide lasting relief to water scarcity challenges in the state.
