COVID-19 Palliative: Ayade Offers Cross Riverians Free Water Supply

BY UBON EKANEM, CALABAR – Efforts to keep Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic away from Cross River State have received a big boost with Governor Ben Ayade offering free one month water supply to all households in the state.

According to the government, the gesture is part of palliatives packaged to address the people’s needs and contain the virus’ adverse effects on their welfare conditions.

However, for effective service delivery and implementation of the directive, the State government has encouraged all residents with outstanding bills to pay up so that the Water Board can serve them better

Special Adviser to the Governor on Water Board, Chief Victor Effiom Ekpo, who announced the good news in Calabar, commended the Governor for his act of benevolence to the people.

Chief Ekpo said the gesture is also the government’s way of encouraging people to wash their hands regularly as part of efforts to keep coronavirus out of the state.

On government’s seriousness at keeping its promise to the people, the governor’s aide said, “As I speak, we have 40 well-kitted plumbers on standby to fix any burst or broken pipe immediately our attention is drawn to such, as it is not business as usual”.

He however stated that while the residents are enjoying the free water gesture from government, those with outstanding debts must do the needful by settling their bills to financially empower the Water Board for effective service delivery to the general poulace.

Chief Ekpo disclosed that of the eight water outstations across the State, Calabar, Ugep/Ediba, Itighidi, Okpoma and Obubra are operating in full capacity, adding; “We have enough chemicals to treat water for the good consumption of the public”.

Reacting to complaints of no water by some residents in parts of Ekorinim and Calabar South, the Special Adviser said; “such situation could be as a result of leakages and the pipe is blocked for our men to work on it.”

“But anyway, where there is any leakage, members of the public should call our lines which includes mine or come to the office immediately and such leakage will be fixed”, he assured