Dimensions in rural water coverage and access in Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria

Abstract

This study examined the levels of rural water access and coverage in Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria. In Akwa Ibom State, there are two statutory bodies involved in water supply: Akwa Ibom State Water Company Limited and Akwa Ibom State Rural Water Supply and Sanitation Agency. Apart from these two statutory bodies, the federal government, United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), Exxon Mobil, and other foreign bodies are involved in rural water supply. This study explores the contribution of these bodies towards improved rural water coverage and access using scientific approach. Data on mini water schemes and hand pump boreholes in rural areas in the state were obtained from official records and utilized for analysis. The result indicated inequity in the location of projects. The distribution however does not conform to the clearly spelt out criteria for sitting of water schemes in the rural communities. With this distribution gap created by such chaotic pattern, it was apt to examine the level of access which also revealed that access to safe water in the state is grossly inadequate. At the state level, the coverage and access levels of 37.69 and 33.99% were observed. Four spatial factors were examined to ascertain their influence on rural water supply using correlation analysis and result singled out rural population to be highly significant correlated with the number of safe water points(r=0.678). This implies that about 46% of variance in safe water points in rural areas of the state is explained by rural population factor. It can be inferred that poor coverage and access to safe water facilities provide clear indicators of the state of poverty in rural areas of Akwa Ibom State and thus, call for urgent attention.

Corporate Governance and the Management of Public Corporations: A Study of Akwa Ibom Water Company Limited

“…(BudgIT Report, 2021). Data shows that 66.01% population had no access to water in 2015 but reduced to 65% in 2021 (Atser andUdoh, 2015, BudgIT Report, 2021).…”

“…Over the years, Akwa Ibom State has invested huge money to improve water production and distribution by AKWCL and AKRUWATSAN, but the performance is very poor. Akwa Ibom State has a population of 3,920,208 with 12.11% urban dwellers and 87.89% rural population(NPC, 2006, as cited in Atser andUdoh, 2015). In table 1, water supply coverage and access in rural and urban areas indicate that Akwa Ibom State is yet to meet the MDGs goal of 50% access to safe water andFGN (2000) water policy which emphasizes that access to rural water supply should guarantee a minimum level of service to 250 and maximum to 500 persons per point.…”

“…Data also revealed that the total access to water in Akwa Ibom State was 49% in 2012, while 33.99% in 2015, showed a decline in the supply of water. In 2015, the State's total water coverage was 37.69% including HPB= Hand Pump Borehole 238, MWS= Mini Water Schemes 1750, NSWP= Number of Safe Water Points 1988(Atser and Udoh, 2015). Data also revealed that 22.7% of citizens resident in the state still got their water from unimproved sources of drinking water in 2020.…”