Cross River Deputy Governor Tasks Participants at Water/Sanitation Workshop
The Cross River State Deputy Governor, Mr. Efiok Cobham has tasked participants at a 2-day stakeholders forum for the validation of implementation framework for the sector-wide Approach (SWAP) on Water and Sanitation in the State to brainstorm and come up with an acceptable and workable framework that may serve as a model for other states in the country to adopt.
Speaking in Calabar on Monday, while declaring the forum open, Mr. Cobham said that SWAP, which formed part of the transformation agenda of the present administration, when adopted, could serve as a dependable 'reform drive' needed to increase efficiency and effectiveness in water and sanitation delivery services in the state as well as improve access to donor funding.
According to him, it is imperative that SWAP should possess the ability to withstand and respond to emerging challenges and public expectations through efficient delivery of services to the public.
He advised other states in the country wishing to adopt SWAP to see it as an attractive initiative, huge, and complex that requires learning by doing, rather than just a model or blue print.He expressed gratitude to all those who have contributed in one way or the other towards the success of SWAP, particularly the National Planning Commission, Federal Ministry of Work Resources, Special Adviser, International Development Cooperation, the development partners such as UNICEF, European Union and the World Bank.
The State Commissioner for Water Resources, Engr. Elemi Etowa, assured of the readiness of the State Government to reposition the water supply and sanitation sector towards effective and high quality service delivery to the people.
He stated that the workshop was aimed at presenting a workable framework for a sector wide approach in the water supply and sanitation sector.He lauded the technical team, development partners, the private sector, European Union, as well as some MDAs for identifying with the workshop.
Water and Sanitation in a state is very important s the governor is doing well by making this work over there.