The Akwa Ibom government says it is implementing reforms and infrastructure projects to expand access to safe water in both urban and rural communities.

The commissioner for water resources and sanitation, Ubuo Ubuo, said this on the sidelines of the Urban Water Supply Sector Report in Nigeria: Progress, Challenges and the Way Forward workshop in Abuja on Tuesday.

The workshop was organised by the Federal Ministry of Water Resources and Sanitation in collaboration with the Development Partner Group to review urban water reforms and share implementation experiences.

Mr Ubuo said the initiatives were aimed at improving water availability, strengthening service delivery and meeting the growing demand for potable water in the state.

According to him, the government is investing in infrastructure rehabilitation, network expansion and institutional reforms to improve access to water services.

He said ongoing interventions include the rehabilitation and expansion of urban water schemes, the construction of new facilities, and the extension of services to underserved rural communities.

The commissioner said the government was also strengthening the operational capacity of water utilities to ensure efficient management and long-term sustainability of water infrastructure.

He added that the state was working with development partners and the Federal Ministry of Water Resources and Sanitation to mobilise technical and financial support for the sector.

Mr Ubuo said a comprehensive assessment of facilities operated by the Akwa Ibom Water Company was underway to identify infrastructure gaps and guide investments aimed at restoring and expanding potable water supply across the state.

He said the government was pursuing a dual strategy of improving urban water systems while expanding access in rural areas through the Akwa Ibom Rural Water Supply and Sanitation Agency.

According to him, Governor Umo Eno has directed efforts toward improving water availability in communities across the state’s 369 wards as part of broader initiatives to strengthen hygiene and sanitation.

The commissioner also highlighted measures to improve water quality, including the chlorination of public water facilities and other interventions designed to ensure safer drinking water for residents.

Mr Ubuo said expanding access to safe water remained critical to public health, economic development and the overall well-being of citizens.

He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to providing reliable and sustainable water services, adding that efforts would continue to bridge existing gaps in water coverage across the state. 

(NAN)