June 18 (THEWILL) — Akwa Ibom State has taken a significant step towards achieving universal access to potable water and improved sanitation services as key stakeholders validated the draft Water Supply and Sanitation Investment/Master Plan designed to guide future investments and reforms in the sector.
The validation exercise took place during a stakeholders’ workshop organised by the Federal Ministry of Water Resources and Sanitation through Messrs Gibb Consultants, in collaboration with Akwa Ibom Water Company Limited, at the Amunice Event Centre in Uyo.
The proposed master plan, which is expected to serve as a long-term blueprint for water infrastructure development, sector reforms and sustainable service delivery, received input and endorsement from representatives of government ministries, agencies, development partners, civil society organisations, academia and other sector stakeholders.
Speaking at the workshop, the Akwa Ibom State Commissioner for Water Resources and Sanitation, Dr Ubuo Ubuo, described the initiative as a critical milestone in the state’s drive to expand access to safe water and sanitation facilities.
He said the master plan would provide a strategic roadmap for investments and interventions to address existing challenges while ensuring sustainable and equitable service delivery across urban and rural communities.
Ubuo commended Governor Umo Eno for prioritising the water and sanitation sector, noting that the administration’s commitment has created an enabling environment for long-term reforms and infrastructure development.
The commissioner also praised the Federal Ministry of Water Resources and Sanitation for facilitating the process and expressed optimism that contributions from stakeholders would strengthen the final document and accelerate the attainment of the state’s water development objectives.
In his remarks, the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Akwa Ibom Water Company Limited, Engr. Edo Etuk, described the validation workshop as a crucial stage in developing a comprehensive framework that would shape the future of the state’s water and sanitation sector.
According to him, the master plan will guide infrastructure expansion, resource mobilisation, service delivery improvement and long-term sustainability within the sector.
Etuk urged participants to make robust contributions to ensure the document adequately reflects the needs and aspirations of communities across the state.
Consultants handling the project, Adrian Wilson and Mark Adeyemi of Messrs Gibb Consultants, outlined the broad objectives of the plan, which include strengthening institutional capacity, enhancing governance structures, improving sanitation services, promoting financial sustainability and driving reforms within the urban water sector.
They explained that the document also seeks to restore public confidence in water services, improve revenue generation and operational efficiency, clarify institutional responsibilities and strengthen the capacity of Akwa Ibom Water Company Limited.
Technical presentations at the workshop highlighted existing gaps in water supply and sanitation services, projected future demand, investment requirements, implementation strategies and opportunities for public-private partnerships.
Participants, during interactive sessions, recommended policy reforms, stronger financing frameworks, enhanced institutional capacity and greater community participation as key ingredients for successful implementation.
With the validation completed, the draft report will now be refined and finalised as the official Water Supply and Sanitation Investment/Master Plan for Akwa Ibom State, providing a framework for future investments and reforms to deliver sustainable water and sanitation services to residents across the state.
