Residents of Apiapumtet and several other communities in Obubra Local Government Area of Cross River State have raised alarm over a potential cholera outbreak, blaming the situation on severe shortages of clean and safe drinking water.
Obubra has consistently been identified as a hotspot for disease outbreaks in the state, particularly cholera, with inadequate access to potable water remaining a major contributing factor. Records show that between 2022 and 2023, the local government area reported about 638 suspected cholera cases and 17 deaths, ranking it among the worst-hit areas during that period.
A former Commissioner for Special Education under the administration of ex-Governor Ben Ayade, Castro Ezama, disclosed that more than 60 communities in Obubra lack access to clean water. He described the situation as dire, lamenting that residents are forced to travel long distances daily in search of water.
According to Ezama, Obubra appears largely neglected in terms of development, stressing that the water crisis in the area is more severe than in many other rural parts of the country.
Echoing similar concerns, the youth leader of Ochon community, Francis Obeng, warned that most available water sources in the area are unsafe and pose serious health risks. He noted that the lack of potable water has already claimed lives, with only a few wealthy residents able to afford private boreholes, while many others have relocated to urban centres.
Community members have appealed to the Cross River State Government and the Obubra Local Government Council to urgently prioritise the provision of safe drinking water, urging authorities to adopt it as a deliberate policy to prevent another public health emergency.
Responding to the concerns, Kingsley Arikpo, Chairman of Obubra LGA, acknowledged the longstanding challenges of water access, sanitation, and disease prevention in rural communities. He reaffirmed that improving water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) services remains a key development priority for the council.
Arikpo also raised concerns over the durability and maintenance of water infrastructure, citing issues such as vandalism and lack of community ownership. He called for better protection and supervision of water facilities to ensure long-term benefits for residents.
