Cross River, Benue Get 500m Euros Grant From EU For Water Programme

Cross River and Benue states are to benefit from the European Union reforming water governance programme grant to the tune of 500 million Euros.

Director General, Cross River State’s Rural Development Agency (RUDA) Mr. Eko Atu, who disclosed this to newsmen during the weekly strategic media interactive session in Calabar recently, said the fund which is to boost water and sanitation in the two states will help strengthen as well as expand infrastructure in the sector to enhance effective and efficient hygienic practice across these states.

According to him, in order to fast track the implementation of the programme, Federal Government has declared Yakurr Local Government Area as open defecation free (OPF), adding that while government will ensure that all public buildings are provided with modern sanitation facilities, private property owners are expected to follow suit or be compelled by the National Task Team on Sanitation set up by f

Federal Government, to enforce compliance.

Mr. Atu pointed that the niche being carried by the state as a tourism destination in the country will be complemented with another feat in the area of water and sanitation, adding that “our effort in water has put us on high pedestal that attracts support from donor agencies”.

On the massive rural road network programme embarked by the government, the Director General said that the 29 roads of 506 kilometers, with at least 20 kilometers in each local government area and 19 bridges stretching 700 metres, is 80 percent complete, adding that financial obligations by government have been settled to ensure timely completion of the project

He further disclosed that N130 million is earmarked for the rehabilitation and maintenance of boreholes and 96 water pumps across the state, maintaining that the agency is currently running a training programme for local artisans to enable them maintain the equipment themselves.

He assured Cross Riverians that the agency will be a vanguard of ensuring equitable distribution of infrastructure and social amenities especially to those who need government most.
By Emma Una/ Calabar