By Our Reporter
The Cross River State Government has reaffirmed its commitment to expanding inclusive and sustainable water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) services with the commissioning of solar-powered boreholes in selected schools across Calabar South local government area, as part of activities commemorating World Water Day 2026, themed “Water and Gender – Where Water Flows, Equality Grows.”
Representing the Governor, Senator Prince Bassey Edet Otu, at the ceremony held on Friday at Edgerly Memorial Girls Secondary School, Pastor Bong Duke, Vice Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the Cross River State Planning Commission, said the administration remains resolute in implementing policies and projects that guarantee equitable access to safe water and sanitation services, particularly for women and girls who often bear the greatest burden of water scarcity.
He noted that access to safe water is not only an infrastructure priority but also a critical driver of dignity, health, education, and economic opportunity. “Water is not only a source but a catalyst of growth.”
According to him, long distances to water sources, inadequate sanitation facilities, and limited menstrual hygiene support continue to disrupt girls’ education and expose them to health and safety risks, challenges that the government is determined to address through targeted investments in resilient water systems.
The governor called for partnerships that will drastically improve the state WASH service delivery.
The commemoration featured a series of activities, including cultural displays and technical presentations that highlighted the link between water access and gender equality. Key sessions included a presentation on “Water and Gender” by Mrs Julie Jumide, Female in WASH (FERinWASH) and another on “How Access to Water Supports Safe and Healthy Menstrual Hygiene Practices” delivered by, Mrs Alice Egbara, the head of Food and Nutrition in RUWATSSA.
Stakeholders also delivered goodwill messages underscoring the importance of multi-sector collaboration in achieving sustainable WASH outcomes.
As part of the day’s activities, the state government executed and commissioned key solar-powered water projects designed to provide reliable and environmentally sustainable water supply to school communities, including the solarization of existing boreholes at Edgerly Memorial Girls Secondary School and Government Girls Secondary School, Big Qua, as well as the commissioning of a solar-powered borehole with overhead tank and reticulation network at Academy Primary School, Mayne Avenue, implemented in collaboration with the Borehole Drillers Association of Nigeria (BODAN).
The projects were executed by the Cross River State Ministry of Water Resources under the leadership of the Honourable Commissioner for Water Resources, Barrister Bassey Offiong Mensah, JP, as part of the government’s strategy to strengthen water infrastructure in educational institutions, particularly those serving girls.
In his remarks, the Commissioner emphasised that empowering women and girls through improved access to water and sanitation strengthens families, schools, and communities, noting that sustainable water infrastructure is essential for advancing public health and gender equality.
A Certificate of Recognition was also presented to His Highness Louis Mesembe Asikpo of LIZMA Table Water in appreciation of his contributions to improving community access to potable water.
Earlier, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Water Resources, Dr Okon Ita, laid the background. He painted a grim picture of the stress the girl child goes through to provide water for the home.
