CROSS RIVER STATE GOV.Professor Ben Ayade to Expand Access to Water in the State

Professor Ben Ayade has expressed the commitment of his administration to the expansion of

The Governor, who stated this at a meeting with the Country Director, the World Bank Group‎, Mr. Rachid Benmessaoud in Abuja, said the provision of water is a cardinal focus of his administration given its importance to the overall well-being of the people.

According to the Governor, “Water is a great asset. 80 per cent of diseases in Africa are water borne. So if you can fix the issue of water, then you have fixed the issue of diseases. So for me, it is a cardinal focus of our administration.”

While thanking the World Bank for assisting the state through the joint funding of some of its critical water infrastructure, the governor expressed his desire to evolve a new management style for the state water board.

He said the new management regime would ensure sustainability ‎while freeing it from the control of Government.

The Governor therefore, urged the World Bank to team up with his government to develop the new business model.

Speaking earlier, ‎Hassan M. Kida, Lead Water and Sanitation Specialist, World Bank Group, said the Bank wants to see a “peculiar business plan to be able to ensure that things continue to move as we continue to make expansions in terms of water supply.”

He said the goal of the the Bank is to assist the state achieve 80 to 90 per cent water supply coverage.

COMMENTS!!!