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Ukorebi Esien I October 7, 2025
CALABAR — The Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of the Cross River State Water Board Limited, High Chief (Dr.) Godwin Inyam, has assured residents of Calabar and its environs that the era of water scarcity will soon be over, as the state government under Governor Bassey Edet Otu finalizes a major Public-Private Partnership (PPP) to revive the state's water supply system.
Speaking in Calabar, Dr. Inyam explained that the partnership, which involves Agua Global Services as concessionaire, has been carefully designed to restore regular water supply to households and businesses in the state capital and beyond. The arrangement, he said, gives the private firm 85 percent operational control, while the state government retains 15 percent, ensuring both efficiency and accountability in service delivery.
"I can confidently assure residents that water will soon flow again in Calabar. His Excellency, Senator (Prince) Bassey Edet Otu, has approved the engagement of a private partner to manage the Water Board, and all due processes are nearing completion," Inyam stated. "This administration is determined to end water scarcity and restore public confidence in the Water Board."
The Water Board boss revealed that the agency had for years faced severe operational challenges, including obsolete equipment, energy deficits, vandalized meters, and broken distribution networks. According to him, most of the Water Board's machines were installed over two decades ago, and the infrastructure had suffered significant wear and tear, making large-scale water production impossible.
He further noted that water production is a capital-intensive venture, citing the cost of a single water abstraction machine at ₦460 million, with standard operation requiring at least three to five units. These financial realities, he said, made government's decision to embrace a PPP arrangement not just practical but necessary.
"No state government can single-handedly sustain the cost of running a water utility at the required scale," Inyam explained. "That's why the PPP model, backed by His Excellency's vision, is the right path forward. It ensures we bring in the needed expertise, investment, and technology to serve the people better."
He disclosed that the state currently has over 1,200 distribution networks, out of which about 25 percent are damaged, mostly due to erosion and road construction. The incoming private partner, he added, will focus on rehabilitating these networks, replacing broken meters, and modernizing the entire production and reticulation system.
Dr. Inyam assured residents that the state government has completed all preliminary processes through the Bureau of Public-Private Partnership and the Council on Privatization, chaired by the Deputy Governor, in preparation for final approval by the State Executive Council (EXCO).
"Once the final approval is given, Agua Global Services will officially take over operations. From that point, Cross Riverians, especially residents of Calabar, will begin to experience steady water flow," he said.
The MD commended Governor Otu for his visionary leadership and commitment to public welfare, describing him as "a governor who truly puts the people first."
"Water is life, and the Governor understands that access to clean and safe water is not a privilege but a right. His administration's intervention in the Water Board will mark a turning point for Calabar and the entire state," he affirmed.
Dr. Inyam also appealed for public understanding and support as the transition process unfolds, assuring that the forthcoming reforms will deliver lasting improvements in water supply and quality of service.
"We are optimistic. The light is already shining at the end of the tunnel. Very soon, water will flow again in Calabar," he concluded.
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