CROSS RIVER WATER BOARD MD URGES PATIENCE AS STATE WORKS TO IMPROVE WATER SUPPLY

The Managing Director of the Cross River State Water Board, High Chief Godwin Nyiam, Ph.D, has urged residents of the state to be patient as the Board works to improve water supply across the state.

Speaking on the People’s Opinion programme on FADFM Radio, Calabar, Dr. Nyiam described the water supply project as a “work in progress”.

According to him, the major challenges facing the Board are electromechanical, energy, and power issues, which have hindered the optimal functioning of the water distribution network. Despite these challenges, Dr. Nyiam highlighted that the Board has made remarkable achievements, with 1,215 distribution networks across the state. However, he noted that about 45% of these networks are currently moribund, largely due to road construction and other infrastructural projects.

“We have 1,215 distribution networks, but unfortunately, about 45% of them are not functioning due to various reasons, including road construction,” Dr. Nyiam said.

To address these challenges, the MD revealed that the Board is working to acquire new machines to aid in the distribution of water, which will be done in phases. “We are working tirelessly to get new machines that will aid our work, and we are distributing water in phases,” he explained.

Dr. Nyiam also emphasized that running a water board is a very expensive venture, requiring significant investment in infrastructure and maintenance. “Running a water board is a very expensive venture, but we are committed to providing water to the people of Cross River State,” he said.

The MD, however, expressed the Board’s openness to public-private partnerships, which he believes can help to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of the water supply system. “We are open to public-private partnerships, and we believe that together, we can achieve more in providing water to the people of Cross River State,” Dr. Nyiam stated.

By working together with stakeholders, the Board hopes to overcome the current challenges and provide reliable water supply to the people of Cross River State. Dr. Nyiam urged residents to be patient, assuring them that the Board is committed to improving water supply in the state.