PIA: Prioritize investment in safe, sustainable drinking water – Okoritak community urges HCDTs in Akwa Ibom

One of the oil-rich communities in Akwa Ibom State, Okoritak, in Ibeno Local Government Area, has appealed to the Host Community Development Trusts (HCDTs) operating within the council to prioritise investment in safe and sustainable drinking water as a way of improving public health, livelihoods, and the overall well-being of residents.

The appeal was made during a stakeholders’ roundtable on “Sustainable Development in Okoritak Community,” organised by the leadership of the community in partnership with the Clement Isong Foundation (CIF) and the Ibeno Youth Advocacy Network, IYAN.

Okoritak Community has been battling a longstanding water challenge.

In a communiqué issued at the end of the roundtable, the community called on the Akwa Ibom State Rural Water Supply and Sanitation Agency (AKRUWATSAN), relevant ministries, departments and agencies (MDAs), and HCDTs to strengthen collaboration and expand access to sustainable rural water infrastructure and other essential social services in underserved communities.

The participants applauded the commitment of the Seplat Host Community Development Trust to review its development priorities and consider Okoritak Community for future potable water interventions following confirmation that the community’s water challenge remains unresolved.

They also noted that every community development plan implemented under the Host Community Development Trust framework should be guided by participatory needs assessments to ensure that investments are evidence-based and responsive to community priorities.

The communiqué, in part, stated: “That all development interventions in Okoritak community be implemented through transparent, inclusive and accountable processes that actively engage traditional institutions, women, young people and other community stakeholders, and in the best interest of the people of Okoritak. That the Clement Isong Foundation (CIF) and other civil society organisations continue to facilitate evidence-based advocacy, stakeholder engagement and partnership-building to strengthen accountability and improve development outcomes in host communities.

“That development partners, government institutions and the private sector leverage existing community structures and partnerships to promote integrated investments in water security, environmental sustainability and resilient livelihoods within Okoritak community.”

The participants therefore observed that sustainable development in Okoritak Community is achievable but requires stronger collaboration among Host Community Development Trusts, government institutions, civil society organisations, traditional institutions and the community.