By Fresh News
Residents of Osuk Ntan community in Ibiono Ibom Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State have begun enjoying access to clean drinking water following the commissioning of a research-driven borehole project aimed at improving water, sanitation and public health in the rural community.
The project, facilitated through the TETFund Institution-Based Research (IBR) initiative by a team from the University of Uyo, was officially commissioned on March 7, 2026, ending years of dependence on unsafe stream water by residents.
Speaking during the event, the Akwa Ibom State Commissioner for Water Resources and Sanitation, Ubuo E. Ubuo, described the initiative as a significant intervention that reflects the importance of collaboration between government, researchers and communities in addressing developmental challenges.
The commissioner, who was represented by the Acting Permanent Secretary in the ministry and Coordinator of the Akwa Ibom State Rural Access and Agricultural Marketing Project (AKS-RAAMP), Gideon Akpan, noted that access to safe water remains critical to improving health, dignity and economic productivity in rural areas.
He explained that the project supports the development vision of Umo Eno, Governor of Akwa Ibom State, under the ARISE Agenda, which prioritises rural infrastructure, water supply, healthcare and economic empowerment.
“Projects like this represent hope and progress for our rural communities. They demonstrate what can be achieved when government, research institutions and community members work together to improve lives,” he said.
The commissioner commended the principal investigator, Dorothy Ononokpono of the University of Uyo, for translating academic research into a practical intervention that has directly impacted the lives of rural residents.
According to him, the project stands as an example of how research findings can be transformed into solutions that address real community challenges.
He also urged residents to protect and properly maintain the facility to ensure its sustainability and long-term benefit to the community.
Earlier in a welcome address, the Secretary of Osuk Ntan village, Mr. Obot Anthony, expressed gratitude to the research team and government representatives for the intervention.
He noted that the community had long suffered from lack of potable water, forcing residents to travel to neighbouring communities to fetch clean water.
“This project has brought smiles to our faces because our people no longer have to go to neighbouring communities in search of borehole water,” he said.
Anthony, however, appealed for further government intervention, particularly the rehabilitation of the road linking Osuk Ntan with Ikot Akpan Obong as well as the replacement of a vandalised electricity transformer that has left the community in darkness.
In his remarks, Akpan described the successful drilling of the borehole as remarkable given the rocky terrain of the area, which often makes groundwater exploration difficult.
He revealed that the state government has already supported the construction of about 202 kilometres of rural roads across the state, while designs are ongoing for an additional 520 kilometres under ongoing rural access programmes.
Akpan further disclosed that a technical team would soon visit the community to begin the design of the Osuk Ntan–Afaha Itiat road to improve connectivity and enhance economic opportunities for residents.
To ensure sustainability of the water project, he added that officials from the Ministry of Water Resources and Sanitation would establish a Water, Sanitation and Hygiene Committee (WASHCOM) to train members of the community on the operation and maintenance of the facility.
Providing an overview of the project, Dr. Ononokpono explained that the intervention originated from a research study examining the impact of water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) on maternal health among women of reproductive age in rural communities of Akwa Ibom State.
She said the research team discovered alarming conditions during fieldwork in Osuk Ntan in 2024, including poor access to clean water and sanitation facilities, which prompted efforts to seek funding under the TETFund Institution-Based Research scheme.
The funding, secured in 2025, enabled the drilling of the borehole and installation of storage tanks to provide safe water for residents.
Dr. Ononokpono also acknowledged the contributions of members of the research team, including Mrs. Itoro Benedict Umoren, Mrs. Ibukun Odejimi and Miss Edo Effiong Edem, as well as other individuals who supported the project.
Community leaders and residents described the project as historic.
Village head, Eteidung Richard Ndarake, said the intervention has ended years of dependence on muddy stream water, noting that residents previously struggled to obtain clean water even after boiling it.
Similarly, the women leader, Mrs. Eno Emmanuel Eshiet, expressed gratitude to the research team, saying the project has relieved women and children of the burden of trekking long distances to fetch water.
Youth President of the community, Mr. Esessien Essien Udo, also praised the initiative, describing it as the first major development project executed in the village through the effort of a single individual.
The commissioning ceremony was attended by several academics from the University of Uyo, including Prof. Iniobong Ansa, Prof. Emmanuel Udofia, Prof. Enefiok Ukomi, Dr. Nsidibe Usoro, Prof. Aniekan Brown, Associate Prof. Nsikakabasi Wilson and Prof. Sunny Offiong.
Traditional rulers and community leaders present at the event included Elder Akaninyene Udofia Uko, Chief Okon Udoeyo, Ntia Bassey Ntia and Elder Emmanuel Akpanekot, alongside government officials and members of the community.
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