Concerns have been raised over poor access to potable water in Akwa Ibom State as stakeholders marked the 2026 World Water Day 2026, with renewed calls for urgent reforms and inclusive water governance.
The Chief Executive Officer of the African Human Development Centre (AHDC), Professor Gabriel Umoh, lamented that more than 90 percent of residents in the state lack access to public water services despite nearly four decades of statehood.
Umoh, in a statement to commemorate the day themed “Water and Gender,” noted that the burden of inadequate water supply disproportionately falls on women and girls, who often bear the responsibility of sourcing water for households.
He described the situation as worrisome, citing the existence of a full-fledged Ministry of Water Resources and Sanitation, as well as policy frameworks that have yet to translate into improved service delivery. He further revealed that key instruments such as the Water Resources Regulation and Management Law, WASH Policy, and Monitoring and Evaluation Framework remain largely unimplemented more than three years after approval.
According to him, critical structures including a State Water Council, WASH departments in local government areas, and community-level WASH Committees (WASHCOMs) are yet to be fully established, raising questions about the state’s commitment to reform in the sector.
Umoh called on the government to urgently implement existing laws and policies, provide adequate funding, and restructure the sector, including the proposed transition from the Akwa Ibom Water Company Ltd to a Water Corporation as stipulated by law.
Meanwhile, the Akwa Ibom State Commissioner for Water Resources and Sanitation, Ubuo Ubuo, has urged residents to take shared responsibility for ensuring sustainable access to clean water.
In a statement made available to the Fresh News yesterday, the Commissioner said the theme highlights the role of all genders in protecting water resources, stressing that access to clean water is a fundamental right.
He disclosed that about 42 percent of residents currently have access to clean water, adding that the state government is working towards achieving full coverage. He also revealed that the State Executive Council has approved key policies and developed an implementation roadmap to improve water supply.
Ubuo emphasized community ownership of water projects, urging residents to support government initiatives, protect infrastructure from vandalism, and establish WASHCOMs to manage facilities at the grassroots level.
He added that water projects would be distributed based on need, with priority given to underserved communities, while a designated committee has been tasked with identifying areas lacking access.
Stakeholders say the 2026 World Water Day offers an opportunity for deep reflection on the state of water infrastructure in Akwa Ibom, with calls for immediate action to address inequalities and reduce the burden on vulnerable groups, particularly women and girls.
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