Residents of Apiapumtet and several other communities in Obubra Local Government Area of Cross River State have raised fresh concerns over a possible cholera outbreak, citing acute shortages of clean and safe water sources.
Obubra has remained a recurring hotspot during disease outbreaks in the state, particularly cholera, with poor access to potable water identified as a major risk factor.
Between 2022 and 2023, the local government area recorded about 638 suspected cholera cases and 17 deaths, making it one of the worst-hit LGAs during the period.
A former Commissioner for Special Education in the administration of ex-Governor Ben Ayade, Castro Ezama, said more than 60 communities in Obubra lack access to clean water supply.
Ezama described the situation as distressing, noting that many residents travel long distances daily in search of water.
“It is sad that Obubra appears absent from the map of development. My people often move hundreds of kilometres just to get water,” he said.
While acknowledging that water scarcity affects many rural communities across Nigeria, Ezama argued that Obubra’s situation is particularly severe.
“Obubra seems to be leading in this unfortunate challenge,” he added.
Also speaking, youth leader of Ochon community, Francis Obeng, warned that most water sources in the area pose serious health risks to residents.
“Our sources of water are dangerous. They have claimed lives in this local government area,” Obeng said, lamenting that only a few wealthy individuals have private boreholes, while many others live outside the LGA in major cities.
Residents have appealed to the Cross River State Government and the Obubra Council Chairman to prioritise the provision of potable water, urging that access to clean drinking water be adopted as a deliberate policy to avert another public health crisis.
Reacting, Kingsley Arikpo, chairman of Obubra LGA agreed that there has been longstanding challenges with water access, sanitation and disease prevention in rural communities.
He stressed that improving access to safe water, sanitation and hygiene remains a top development priority for residents of Obubra LGA.
He raised concerns about community ownership and infrastructure durability, as well as vandalism of boreholes.
He appealed for greater protection and supervision of water supply infrastructure to ensure sustained benefits for local communities.
