The Cross River Government on Monday inaugurated the Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) Policy, reaffirming commitment to improved public health and sustainable water governance.
The policy, inaugurated in Calabar, had government officials, lawmakers, development partners, traditional leaders and civil society organisations in attendance.
Ashenews reports that WASH is a Federal Government policy that sets out how safe water, proper sanitation, and good hygiene services should be planned, delivered, regulated, and sustained for the population.
The Commissioner for Water Resources, Mr Bassey Mensah, said that the policy reflected a collective vision, inclusive consultations and renewed resolve to improve citizens’ quality of life.
Mensah said the review process spanned between 2024 and 2025, involving government, legislature, partners and private sector actors, ensuring that the policy addressed present realities and future challenges.
He expressed gratitude to Gov. Bassey Otu for his political will, noting that the State Executive Council’s approval underscored government’s prioritisation of water, sanitation and hygiene.
The commissioner also acknowledged Self Help Africa for their technical and financial support through the WASH Systems for Health Programme.
The Country Director of Self-Help Africa, Ms Joy Adelere, described the policy as inclusive, forward-looking, and aligning with national and international standards.
Adelere said Self Help Africa had partnered with Cross River for 26 years, supporting Nigeria’s first Open Defecation free local governments in 2016.
She urged for a sustained political will, funding, coordination and monitoring to translate the policy into improved WASH services statewide.
“Cross River could still achieve full Open Defecation Free status with commitment, learning from Jigawa State’s recent success,” she said.
On his part, Mr Kingsley Ntui, the Chairman, House Committee on Water Resources, said effective laws remained critical to successful WASH policy implementation.
He noted that Cross River’s House of Assembly has demonstrated commitment through passage of the Water Law and progressing on the Open Defecation Prohibition Bill.
Ntui assured the ministry of water resources of legislative support, despite funding challenges, identifying passion, focus and commitment as key drivers of success.
Ashenews gathered through NAN reports that the event ended with calls for a sustained collaboration to translate the WASH Policy into lasting health and development benefits for Cross River residents.
