By Ogenyi Ogenyi, Uyo
Residents of Osuk Ntan in Ibiono Ibom Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State have gained access to clean drinking water following the commissioning of a borehole project facilitated through the TETFund Institution-Based Research (IBR) initiative. The project, implemented by a research team from the University of Uyo, was officially inaugurated to address water and sanitation challenges that had forced residents to depend on nearby streams.
Speaking at the ceremony, the Akwa Ibom State Commissioner for Water Resources and Sanitation, Ubuo E. Ubuo—represented by the Acting Permanent Secretary and Coordinator of the Akwa Ibom State Rural Access and Agricultural Marketing Project (AKS-RAAMP), Gideon Akpan—said access to safe water is vital for public health and rural development.
He noted that the intervention aligns with the development priorities of Governor Umo Eno under the ARISE Agenda, which focuses on improving rural infrastructure, healthcare and economic opportunities.The commissioner commended the project’s principal investigator, Dr. Dorothy Ononokpono of the University of Uyo, for translating academic research into a practical solution for the community.
According to Ononokpono, the project originated from a study on water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) and its impact on maternal health in rural Akwa Ibom communities. Funding secured through TETFund enabled the drilling of the borehole and installation of storage tanks.Community leaders welcomed the project, saying it has ended years of reliance on unsafe water sources and reduced the burden on residents, especially women and children who previously travelled long distances to fetch water.
State officials said a Water, Sanitation and Hygiene Committee will be established to ensure proper maintenance and sustainability of the facility.
