A coalition of media practitioners under the aegis of Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) Media Network and civil society organisations has charged the Cross River State governor, Bassey Otu, to expedite action on the State Water Bill of 2024.
The coalition gave the charge yesterday during a three-day capacity building workshop for media practitioners in Ogoja local government area of Cross River State.
The water bill, when assented and becomes operational as a law, will help to reduce the transmission of faeco-oral diseases and exposure to disease-bearing vectors through the promotion of good hygiene practices and safe drinking water.
The bill, recently passed by the State House of Assembly, aims to improve water management and sanitation in the state.
While highlighting the importance of the bill, the coalition’s treasurer, Mr Jeremiah Archibong, stated that the law would help to address sanitation and hygiene issues, promote access to clean water and support economic growth.
He urged the governor not to delay in signing the bill, emphasising that a delay might hinder the Ministry of Water Resources’ ability to implement essential reforms.
In a remark, the sponsor of the bill and member representing Ogoja state constituency at the Cross River State House of Assembly, Thomas Aruku, confirmed that the bill has been passed into law but awaiting the governor’s assent.
He expressed confidence that the governor would soon sign the bill into law.
Another coalition member at the capacity-building workshop, Mr Frank Ifob, emphasised that the bill would have a positive impact on local communities by enhaning access to clean water, reducing open defecation and promoting economic growth.
Idon who spoke on behalf of the group lamented how six local government areas in Cross River State that had previously achieved Open Defecation Free (ODF) status relapsed due to lack of sustainability strategies, highlighting the need for urgent action.
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