By Onwa Ekor
In a bid to tackle issues of safe water, sanitation and hygiene in rural communities, Cross River government through the Rural Water Supply and Sanitation Agency (RUWATSSA) and the Ministry of Water Resources, in collaboration with Self Help Africa (SHA), will hold a Stakeholders’ Meeting under the WASH System for Health (WS4H) Programme.
The meeting scheduled for Monday, October 27, 2025, at the Obubra local government Council Hall, at 9am is
designed to enhance collaboration, sustainability, and impact in the implementation of WASH initiatives across local communities.
Chairman of the Council, Hon. Kingsley Arikpo, commended the partnership between the state government and Self Help Africa, pledging the council’s full support for the success of the event.
He described the forthcoming meeting as timely, emphasising that improving access to safe water, sanitation, and hygiene remains a top priority for rural communities in the area.
Arikpo who expressed delight to host the stakeholders meeting assured the organisers of the council’s readiness to ensure a successful event.
Leading the advance team to finalise preparations and engage local authorities, Mr Felix Irek, explained that Obubra was selected as the host venue due to the high incidence of cholera recorded in the area.
He appealed for sustained support from the local council, noting that the WS4H programme aims to strengthen water, sanitation, and hygiene systems to improve public health outcomes.
“This programme will expand access to WASH services and improve the overall health of our people,” Irek said, as he outlined the programme’s scope, timeline, and expected outcomes.
The team also paid a courtesy visit on the Acting Paramount Ruler of Obubra, His Royal Majesty, Ovarr Sylvanus Uduma Ovat, who expressed delight over the initiative and pledged his support to ensure its success.
Similarly, Member representing Obubra Constituency II in the Cross River House of Assembly, Hon. Egbe Abeng, lauded the WS4H programme, describing it as a vital step toward improving community health and hygiene standards.
He also promised to attend the event which is expected to draw key actors from government agencies, civil society organisations, traditional institutions, and community-based groups.
Participants will during the event, deliberate on strategies to strengthen WASH systems for sustainable and accountable service delivery across the State.
