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Stakeholders have called on Host Community Development Trusts (HCDTs) operating in Ibeno Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State to urgently prioritise the provision of safe and sustainable drinking water to Okoritak Community.
The call was made during the Stakeholders’ Roundtable on Sustainable Development in Okoritak Community, organised by community leadership with support from the Clement Isong Foundation (CIF) and the Ibeno Youth Advocacy Network (IYAN), held at the Ibeno Green Youth Hub, Ukpenekang, at the weekend.
The meeting brought together representatives of HCDTs, government institutions, civil society organisations, traditional rulers, and community leaders to agree on practical steps to end the community’s dependence on unsafe water sources.
Participants noted that despite the community’s strong social structure, the absence of potable water continues to undermine public health, sanitation, livelihoods, and economic development.
According to a communiqué issued at the end of the meeting, “Okoritak Community continues to face inadequate access to safe and sustainable drinking water, with significant implications for public health, environmental sanitation, livelihoods and socio-economic development.”
In response, stakeholders made firm commitments aimed at accelerating intervention efforts.
The IFUN Host Community Development Trust pledged to conduct a field assessment of the community to identify priority areas for immediate action.
The Seplat Host Community Development Trust said it would review its development priorities with a view to considering Okoritak for future potable water projects, following confirmation that the water challenge remains unresolved.
Similarly, the Oando/NEPL Host Community Development Trust reaffirmed that potable water remains a key intervention focus and promised to explore support for water infrastructure in the community.
Stakeholders agreed that resolving the crisis would require closer collaboration among HCDTs, government agencies, civil society organisations, traditional institutions, and the community.
The communiqué stated, “Sustainable development in Okoritak Community requires stronger collaboration among Host Community Development Trusts, government institutions, civil society organizations, traditional institutions, and the community to ensure that development interventions are community-driven, inclusive, and sustainable.”
Participants also stressed the need for greater involvement of women and young people in monitoring development projects to ensure transparency, accountability, and sustainability.
Among the resolutions reached was a call for all HCDTs in Ibeno Local Government Area to prioritise investments in safe and sustainable drinking water as a critical intervention for improving residents’ wellbeing.
Stakeholders also urged the Akwa Ibom State Rural Water Supply and Sanitation Agency (AKRUWATSAN), relevant ministries, and development partners to strengthen collaboration in expanding rural water infrastructure through transparent and inclusive processes.
“The Stakeholders’ Roundtable reaffirmed that sustainable development in Okoritak Community will be driven by strong partnerships, responsive institutions, and active community participation,” the communique stated.
