Journalists in Cross River State have made a passionate appeal to Governor Bassey Otu to promptly sign the Water Bill of 2024, which was recently passed.
Speaking as representatives of the WASH Media Network, the group expressed concern that months have passed since the bill's approval by the State House of Assembly, yet it remains unsigned, hindering regulation in the sector.
This appeal came after a three-day capacity-building workshop held in Ogoja, organized by the United Kingdom's International Development Programme and implemented by Self Help Africa, as part of a WASH system-strengthening initiative.
On the sidelines of the event, Archibong Jeremiah, the group's Treasurer, emphasized the importance of the bill in addressing issues related to water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) in the state.
He urged relevant government agencies to accelerate the process of getting the bill signed.
"As we tackle the challenges surrounding water, sanitation, and hygiene in Cross River State, the passage of the Water Bill of 2024 represents a significant step toward ensuring a more structured and regulated approach to managing our water resources," Archibong said.
"Governor Bassey Otu must act swiftly to give his assent, as every day of delay hinders the Ministry of Water Resources' ability to implement essential reforms that will directly benefit the health and well-being of our communities."
He added, "The implications of this bill extend far beyond mere regulation; it has the potential to revitalize local government efforts to maintain Open Defecation Free (ODF) status, which is crucial for public health. We urge all relevant government agencies to collaborate and expedite the necessary processes, as our citizens deserve access to clean water."
When contacted, the bill's sponsor, Hon. Thomas Aruku, a member representing the Ogoja State Constituency, confirmed that the bill had been passed by the House of Assembly and is awaiting the Governor's assent.
Describing the bill as "very dear to his heart," Hon Aruku assured that the executive, led by the people's first Governor, Prince Bassey Otu, would give the bill the attention it deserves soon.
Another member of the group, Mr Frankie Ifop stressed the importance of the bill to drive investment in the State.
He said, “The bill, when signed, will provide more robust opportunities in the sector by attracting donor support and investment into the sector. It will catalyse the attainment of SDG six (sustainable and universal access of WASH for all) for water sanitation in the state, thereby speaking to the people's first agenda of the government.”
Due to a lack of a sustainability plan—which heavily relies on the bill—a troubling trend has emerged in the state, where six local government areas that had achieved ODF status have since relapsed.
In response, Self Help Africa has intervened to support Yala Local Government Area in reversing this trend and restoring its ODF status through system-strengthening efforts, which include capacity-building training for WASH Media.
The proposed Water Bill of 2024 aims to address issues related to unregulated water environments and has the potential to save lives and improve the well-being of citizens.
The appeal by the WASH Media Network underscores the urgency for swift action to ensure the bill's implementation and the benefits it promises for the people of Cross River State. The bill seeks, among other things, to regulate water catalyst, protect water quality, and promote conservation.
Experts believe that effective water legislation in Cross River would ensure access to clean water, reduce open defecation, support economic growth, and protect the environment.
