By Abdullahi Lukman
The Cross River State Government has begun plans to restore potable water supply to households across its three senatorial districts, targeting long-standing shortages affecting domestic and commercial use.
The initiative will deploy integrated solar-powered borehole systems to provide sustainable and reliable access to clean water.
The Commissioner for Water Resources, Barr. Offiong Mensah, said the move is aimed at easing the hardship residents face in accessing potable water.
He described the situation as unacceptable for a state rich in water resources and stressed the government’s commitment to resolving the issue.
According to him, more than 600 boreholes previously drilled in partnership with development agencies have become largely non-functional due to communities’ inability to maintain fuel-powered generators.
Converting them to solar-powered systems, he noted, will improve efficiency, reduce costs, and ensure sustainability.
Mensah expressed confidence that the project would significantly improve water access across affected communities while efforts continue to fully revive the State Water Board.
He added that newly installed solar-powered boreholes at Primary School Academy, Government Girls’ Secondary School, Big Qua, and Edgerley Memorial Girls’ Secondary School are already supplying water to nearby residents.
The commissioner urged citizens to remain patient, assuring that the administration of Governor Bassey Edet Otu is working to deliver lasting solutions to water scarcity in the state.
