Akwa Ibom Assembly Debates Urgent Motion on Water Infrastructure Rehabilitation

By Asuquo Edem

The Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly has deliberated on a motion calling for the urgent rectification and rehabilitation of pipeline networks and water infrastructure across major cities in the state.

The motion, sponsored by Hon. Itoro Etim, member representing Uruan State Constituency, emphasized the pressing need to restore and upgrade aging iron pipelines that were laid over two decades ago. According to her, these deteriorating pipes are either rusted or blocked, hindering the supply of clean and safe water to residents.

“Water is one of the basic necessities of life,” Hon. Etim told the House. “This administration, under the ARISE Agenda, rightly established the Ministry of Water Resources and Sanitation to ensure reliable and hygienic water supply. However, the current state of our pipeline infrastructure does not reflect this vision.”

She noted that due to the collapse of public water systems, individuals are left with no option but to sink private boreholes, leading to an unchecked proliferation of boreholes across urban areas. “Not everyone can afford boreholes,” she added, “and many are left wandering in search of water daily.”

The motion seeks to mandate the Akwa Ibom Water Company to carry out a comprehensive assessment of damaged pipelines in urban centres and commence urgent rehabilitation works. It also called on the House Committee on Rural Development to supervise the implementation process.

Several lawmakers spoke in support of the motion.

Hon. Moses Essien (Ibiono Ibom State Constituency) described the motion as “timely and essential,” questioning the utilization of funds by agencies tasked with water supply. “One way to combat malnutrition is by ensuring access to potable water,” he said.

Hon. Uduak Ekpo-Ufot (Etinan State Constituency) expressed concern over the unregulated spread of boreholes, noting that “the number of boreholes is almost equal to the number of houses.” He urged the government to provide centralized water systems and called for the full activation of the Akwa Ibom Diaspora (Akwa DIAS) initiatives.

In his contribution, Hon. Effiong Johnson (Mbo State Constituency) pointed out that many water pipelines had been damaged during road construction projects. He stressed that the issue must be treated with urgency.

The House adjourned proceedings for recess and is expected to reconvene on Thursday, September 18, 2025.

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