The Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly has called on the state government to take immediate action to rehabilitate public water facilities and replace old pipeline networks across the state.
The call came during a plenary session following a motion of urgent public importance by Dr. Itorobong Etim, who represents the Uruan State Constituency. Etim emphasized the pressing need to provide safe, clean, and accessible water to residents and small businesses, many of whom struggle daily due to lack of functional water infrastructure.
She noted that despite the state’s natural abundance of water, many citizens are left without access due to broken or outdated pipelines, some of which have not been maintained in over two decades. “Our people roam in search of water because they cannot afford boreholes, and pipe-borne water is no longer reliable,” she lamented.
Etim’s motion received full support from Moses Essien, member representing Ibiono Ibom Constituency, who raised concerns over underfunded water agencies and the impact of pipeline vandalism during road construction projects.
He stressed the importance of equipping agencies like the Akwa Ibom Rural Water Supply and Sanitation Agency to perform their mandate effectively. Essien urged fellow lawmakers to support funding initiatives and government policies that will restore water supply infrastructure.
In response, Speaker Udeme Otong directed the House Clerk to forward the resolution to Governor Umo Eno, urging him to take prompt action. He also tasked the House Committee on Rural Development and Public Utilities with ensuring that the motion is implemented and monitored, reaffirming the Assembly’s commitment to improving access to clean water across Akwa Ibom.
