Ukorebi Esien | May 26, 2026
CALABAR –The Cross River State Government has officially commenced the rehabilitation of its water infrastructure following a groundbreaking ceremony for the Cross River State Water Board rehabilitation project, marking a major step towards addressing years of water scarcity across the state.
The event, attended by government officials, development partners, lawmakers and stakeholders in the water sector, signalled the commencement of a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) initiative designed to restore potable water supply and improve access to clean water for residents.
Speaking during the ceremony, the Managing Director of Cross River State Water Board, High Chief Godwin Nyiam, described the occasion as historic, saying it represented the beginning of the end of prolonged water shortages in the state.
“We were given a very serious mandate, and our mandate is simple, to stop water losses and restore water supply across Cross River. Today marks history for us and marks the end of water scarcity in Cross River State,” Nyiam said.
He commended the technical partners for their commitment, expressing optimism that the rehabilitation project would transform water access in the state.
According to him, the groundbreaking follows the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) involving the Cross River State Government, the Ministry of Justice, technical partners and the Cross River State Water Board.
Also speaking, the Group Managing Director of Core Trust Investment Ltd, Mr. Ayo Taire, disclosed that the company and its partners are committing approximately $42 million towards the rehabilitation project.
Taire, whose firm specialises in corporate and investment advisory services, said the commitment was inspired by the passion shown by the management of the Water Board to revive the sector.
“We are committing the sum of about $42 million to this project. The day we arrived here, we saw the passion of the Water Board team and the urgency to begin work. That motivated us to engage our international partners,” he said.
He added that beyond rehabilitating existing facilities, the partnership would support the establishment of a modern water company in the state.
“In a few months from now, we hope residents will begin to enjoy improved water supply. We are also looking at producing Paradise Water for the people of Cross River State,” he stated.
The Managing Director of Agua Global Services Limited, Mr. Lucky Igberaese, said studies conducted by the company revealed significant deterioration in water quality and infrastructure in the state, necessitating urgent intervention.
He assured stakeholders that the partnership would restore Cross River’s reputation as a benchmark in public water service delivery.
“We discovered high levels of impurities in the existing water system, but with this partnership, we are determined to restore that glory and ensure clean water becomes available again,” Igberaese said.
Representing Governor Sen. Prince Bassey Edet Otu, officials at the ceremony reiterated that water remains central to the administration’s people-first agenda.
They noted that government is pursuing a dual approach to water security by improving urban water infrastructure through the Water Board while simultaneously implementing Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) programmes in rural communities.
“Water is essential to life, health, agriculture and development. The governor believes partnerships are critical to achieving sustainable progress in this sector,” an official stated.
Lawmakers at the event also urged residents to protect public infrastructure, warning against vandalism of water pipelines and facilities.
The rehabilitation project is expected to revive dormant infrastructure, expand access to potable water and strengthen water security across Cross River State after years of declining service delivery.
Stakeholders expressed optimism that the initiative would significantly improve living conditions and support economic development across the state.
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