The Akwa Ibom State Government, in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Water Resources and Sanitation (FMWRS) and the GIBB Consortium, has commenced a comprehensive facilities assessment of the Akwa Ibom Water Company Limited (AKWC), as part of efforts to improve access to potable water across the State.
The Commissioner for Water Resources and Sanitation, Hon. Ubuo Ubuo, expressed delight with the visit of the federal officials and consultant, describing the initiative as timely and strategic. He commended the Federal Government for selecting Akwa Ibom as one of the beneficiaries in the ongoing national assessment of State water agencies, stressing that the exercise aligns with Governor Umo Eno’s renewed commitment to expanding and upgrading water supply infrastructure.
Dr. Ubuo highlighted the government’s significant investments in water infrastructure, aimed at restoring, expanding, and sustaining water supply systems to serve citizens effectively. He, however, acknowledged that some challenges, including facility breakdowns and capacity gaps, still exist and need to be addressed through such collaborative interventions.
The Commissioner assured the delegation of the ministry’s full cooperation throughout the assessment process. He announced the appointment of a desk officer to act as a liaison between the ministry and the consortium, for a smooth and efficient exercise. He further appealed for continued federal support and partnership in unlocking more intervention opportunities in the water and sanitation sector.
The Managing Director, Akwa Ibom Water Company Limited, Engr. Edo Etuk, noted that the engagement followed discussions at the last National Water Council meeting, which underscored the need to strengthen urban and semi-urban water supply systems nationwide. He expressed optimism that the assessment would form a strong foundation for future interventions and investment decisions.
Speaking on behalf of the Federal Ministry, Engr. Nafiu Kassim, who led the team from the Federal Project Implementation Unit (FPIU) under the African Development Bank (AfDB)-supported programme, explained that the consultants were commissioned to collect baseline data and prepare a Water Supply and Sanitation Investment Plan for six pilot States, including Akwa Ibom. He stated that the assignment would diagnose operational gaps, assess existing infrastructure, and propose investment priorities at no cost to participating States.
Engr. Kassim further revealed that the six-month consultancy would deliver actionable recommendations covering short, medium, and long-term interventions. Upon completion, each participating State would receive a briefing on the findings to ensure ownership and effective implementation of the proposed investment plan.
Leader of the GIBB Consortium, Mr. Wiero Vogelzang, disclosed that the project comprised three key components namely, Technical, Sanitation, and Financial/Institutional assessments, expected to produce an Inception Report, Financial Report, and Institutional Assessment Report. He assured that the consortium’s work would help strengthen service delivery and guide future funding decisions.
In a vote of thanks, the Director of Water Resources, Mr. Gideon Akpan, appreciated Governor Eno for prioritising access to clean water and effective sanitation, and the visiting teams for their commitment to enhancing the State’s water supply systems.
He pledged the ministry’s full cooperation to ensure the success of the assessment exercise, which ended on a positive note with both parties reaffirming their commitment to improving safe, reliable, and sustainable water services in Akwa Ibom.
