C'River :LG Commissioner Pledges Support to Strengthen WASH Structure
By Ekanem Asuquo
The Cross River State Commissioner for Local Government Affairs, Hon. Chief Victor-Felix Okon Idem, has pledged his ministry’s commitment to strengthening the Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) structure across the state.
The commissioner made this commitment during a courtesy visit by a delegation led by Engr. Okon Ita, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Water Resources and Chairman of the State WASH Steering Committee, on Tuesday, August 5, 2025.
Engr. Ita, while addressing the commissioner, urged the Ministry of Local Government Affairs to advocate for the amendment of the existing water law to unify WASH structures across the 18 local government areas. He emphasized the need for the State Executive Council and House of Assembly to align the legislation to avoid duplication of functions.
He called for the establishment of WASH Departments in each LGA with dedicated budget lines to drive the state’s Open Defecation Free (ODF) campaign and improve public health outcomes.
"A unified WASH structure backed by legislation and proper budgeting is critical if we are to achieve an open defecation free status and promote a healthier, disease-free society,” Engr. Ita said. “Health, after all, is wealth.”
In response, Commissioner Idem commended the WASH team for their dedication and assured them of his full support. He promised to work closely with relevant government bodies to push for the proposed reforms.
“I understand the importance of this initiative and its direct impact on public health. Rest assured, my office will support the effort to integrate WASH structures effectively at the local government level,” Idem said.
The courtesy visit included key stakeholders from government and development agencies.
In attendance were Hon. Oko Sunday Ebeku, General Manager of RUWATSSA; Mr. Ebit Bassey, RUWATSSA Program Manager; Madam Ikwo Eyo, Head of Sanitation and Hygiene, RUWATSSA; Mr. Ebiye Dorgu, State Program Officer, Self Help Africa; Mr. James Edu and Mr. Ferdinand Anon from Self Help Africa; Mr. Essien Akiba, Director of Administration, Ministry of Local Government Affairs; Mrs. Ada Fidelis, a member of STG-WASH; and Mr. Archibong Emmanuel of the WASH Media Network, Cross River State Chapter.
