Bridging domestic water supply and basic sanitation gaps in local government areas: lessons for MDGs’ investment in Cross River State, Nigeria

Ndiyo, Ndem A.* Okon, Emmanuel O., and Olumide,  Ayodele S.

Department of Economics, University of Calabar, Cross River State, Nigeria.

*Corresponding Author’s E-mail: ndemayara@yahoo.com

Accepted 27 May, 2013

Abstract

A gap analysis of the distribution and access to domestic water supply and sanitation facilities in Cross River State shows that 27.3% of the population is still living without access to safe domestic water supply and sanitation services. The infrastructural implication for meeting the MDGs target in this sector translates into a total of 6,160 additional water points using hand pump borehole option. The paper proposed a strategic initiative and accelerated actions through sustainable rural infrastructural development programming and effective investment mobilization and application strategy. This will involve participatory investment in water supply by stakeholders, ownership and management of facilities by rural and small town communities, women, private sector operators,and the use of appropriate technology towards achieving the water and sanitation related MDGs in the State.

Keywords: Water Supply, Sanitation, MDGs