Water Board was originally established exclusively for water production and distribution
By Frank Ulom
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Published on July 3, 2026
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2 min read
The Cross River State Government has dismissed allegations that the proposed demolition of structures within the Water Board premises in Calabar is politically motivated, insisting that the exercise is aimed at restoring potable water supply to residents of the state capital.
Special Adviser to Governor Bassey Otu on General Duties, Barr. Ekpenyong Akiba, made the clarification while responding to allegations by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) deputy governorship candidate, and former State Chairman of APC, Barr. Alphonsus Eba, who alleged that the planned demolition was intended to target his residence.
Akiba maintained that the Water Board was originally established exclusively for water production and distribution, stressing that the premises should never have been converted into a residential estate.
He said reclaiming the facility has become necessary to revive efficient water supply in Calabar, noting that years of residential development within the premises have hindered the Board’s operations.
He said, “Critical water pipelines run beneath some of the affected structures, making maintenance and rehabilitation impossible without excavation.”
The governor’s aide disclosed that reopening access to the pipelines is a major condition for implementing a World Bank and African Development Bank-supported water project that has remained stalled for about two years.
Rejecting allegations of political persecution, Akiba said, “The exercise is not targeted at opposition members.
“Several affected properties belong to serving government officials, retirees and even government-owned institutions,” he explained.
He further revealed that one of the buildings listed for demolition allegedly belongs to a serving commissioner in Governor Bassey Otu’s administration but declined to disclose the identity of the official.
Akiba assured residents that the government would issue all statutory notices before any demolition begins and insisted the exercise is intended to correct past administrative decisions and restore the Water Board to its original mandate of supplying clean water to Cross River residents.
