A Certificate of Recognition was presented to His Highness Louis Mesembe Asikpo of LIZMA Table Water in appreciation of his contributions to expanding community access to potable water.
By TheInvestigator
The Cross River State Government has reinforced its commitment to advancing gender equality and improving access to safe water with the commissioning of solar-powered boreholes in selected schools across Calabar South Local Government Area, as part of activities marking World Water Day 2026, themed “Water and Gender – Where Water Flows, Equality Grows.”
Representing the Governor, Senator Bassey Edet Otu, at the ceremony held on Friday at Edgerly Memorial Girls Secondary School, the Vice Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the Cross River State Planning Commission, Pastor Bong Duke, said the administration remains resolute in implementing policies and investments that guarantee inclusive and sustainable water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) services, particularly for women and girls who are disproportionately affected by water scarcity.
He emphasised that access to safe water is not merely an infrastructure concern but a fundamental driver of dignity, health, education, and economic productivity. According to him, persistent challenges such as long distances to water sources, inadequate sanitation facilities, and limited menstrual hygiene support continue to disrupt girls’ education and expose them to health and safety risks, conditions that the government is determined to address through targeted investments in resilient water systems.
The Governor, through his representative, also called for stronger partnerships with development agencies, private sector actors, and community stakeholders to accelerate improvements in water service delivery across the state.
The commemoration featured cultural displays and technical presentations highlighting the critical link between water access and gender equality. Key sessions included a presentation on “Water and Gender” delivered by Mrs Julie Jumide of Female in WASH (FERinWASH), as well as a session on “How Access to Water Supports Safe and Healthy Menstrual Hygiene Practices” presented by Mrs Alice Egbara, Head of Food and Nutrition at the Rural Water Supply and Sanitation Agency (RUWATSSA).
As part of the day’s activities, the state government executed and commissioned strategic solar-powered water infrastructure projects designed to provide a reliable, climate-friendly water supply to school communities. These included the solarisation of existing boreholes at Edgerly Memorial Girls Secondary School and Government Girls Secondary School, Big Qua, as well as the construction and commissioning of a new solar-powered borehole with overhead tank and reticulation network at Academy Primary School, Mayne Avenue. The project was implemented in collaboration with the Borehole Drillers Association of Nigeria (BODAN).
The projects were executed by the Cross River State Ministry of Water Resources under the leadership of the Honourable Commissioner for Water Resources, Barrister Bassey Offiong Mensah, JP, as part of the government’s broader strategy to strengthen water infrastructure in educational institutions and promote safe learning environments, particularly for girls.
In his remarks, the Commissioner underscored that improving access to water and sanitation for women and girls directly strengthens families, enhances school attendance, and supports community development, noting that sustainable water infrastructure remains a critical foundation for public health and gender equality.
“In many communities, women and girls continue to bear a disproportionate burden of water and sanitation responsibilities,” the Commissioner stated. “Long walks to distant water sources often mean missed school days, reduced productivity, exposure to health risks, and vulnerability to gender-based violence. Poor sanitation infrastructure also creates barriers to proper menstrual hygiene management, contributes to school dropout among girls, and limits their participation in leadership.”
Mensah praised the resilience of women and girls, describing them as “caregivers, innovators, and community mobilisers” whose leadership is vital for sustainable water systems. He declared that empowering women in water governance is “not only fair; it is smart and necessary for sustainable progress.”
The Commissioner reaffirmed the state government’s commitment under the “People First” leadership of His Excellency, Senator Prince Bassey Edet Otu, Governor of Cross River State. “The Ministry of Water Resources remains committed to advancing WASH policies and programmes that protect dignity, empower women and girls, and secure a healthier future for all,” he said. He called on government institutions, development partners, NGOs, community leaders, and citizens to “join hands in promoting inclusive water governance and invest in safe water and sanitation infrastructure across Cross River State.”
A Certificate of Recognition was presented to His Highness Louis Mesembe Asikpo of LIZMA Table Water in appreciation of his contributions to expanding community access to potable water.
Earlier, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Water Resources, Dr Okon Ita, provided context for the intervention, highlighting the significant physical and emotional burden many girls face in sourcing water for household use. This enduring challenge underscores the urgency of sustained investment in water infrastructure.
