By Our Reporter
OBUBRA (CONVERSEER) – A recent baseline survey conducted in Obubra Local Government Area (LGA) of Cross River State has revealed major gaps in water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) infrastructure and service delivery.
The assessment forms part of the ongoing WASH System for Health (WS4H) Programme, which seeks to improve public health outcomes across communities in the State. The programme is implemented by the Cross River State RUWATSSA and Ministry of Water Resources with technical support from Self Help Africa (SHA).
Following a stakeholders’ meeting held on October 27, 2025, the survey was commissioned to determine the current status of WASH facilities across Obubra. A 66-member team—comprising state supervisors and trained local government personnel—carried out the enumeration exercise from November 9 to 16, covering all eleven political wards of the LGA.
The results were alarming. The survey revealed widespread lack of access to safe water sources, adequate sanitation facilities, and proper hygiene practices. Over the past three years, Obubra has experienced recurring cholera outbreaks and other waterborne diseases, largely linked to poor WASH conditions. Many households still lack functional sanitation infrastructure.
Of the 735 water points mapped during the exercise, a substantial number were found to be non-functional. Several boreholes were broken, poorly maintained, or abandoned, while reliance on unsafe natural water sources continues to pose serious health risks. These findings highlight the urgent need for sustainable water supply systems and improved sanitation coverage in the area.
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The analysis further showed that Obubra Urban and Iyomoyong recorded the highest population densities, as well as the largest numbers of mapped households and schools. In contrast, Ovomun and Apiapum had better distributions of water points. Ofodua, despite challenges with educational facilities, displayed relatively stronger sanitation coverage.
During the training for enumerators and supervisors held on November 7–8, 2025, at the Council Hall, the Chairman of the State Task Group on WASH (STG-WASH) and Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Water Resources, Dr Okon Ita, represented by Engr. Eni Nkanu, urged the team to carry out the exercise diligently. He expressed gratitude to the State Governor, Sen. Bassey Edet Otu, for releasing the N95 million counterpart fund to support the intervention, noting that “it was overdue to intervene in Obubra.”
The Programmes Manager/Team Lead of RUWATSSA, Mr Ebit Bassey, encouraged enumerators to ensure complete household coverage. “Please administer the tools as required. Where you encounter challenges, my lines are open, and our consultant is on the ground to support you in real time. We must get it right because this is an epoch-making exercise,” he stressed.
Training for the field team was facilitated by Mr Benjamin Esor Elemi, popularly known as “Imoke”, a Software Developer/Data Scientist/M&E professional. He systematically led the sessions, equipping participants with the knowledge and technical skills required to effectively deploy the mWater Surveyor Tool during data collection.
The findings of this baseline survey underscore the pressing need for urgent, coordinated action to address WASH challenges in Obubra and improve community health outcomes.
