The Cross River State Government has dismissed allegations that the planned demolition of structures within the Water Board premises in Calabar is politically motivated, stating that the exercise is a critical requirement for the implementation of a World Bank-supported water rehabilitation project.
Speaking in Calabar, the Governor’s Special Adviser on General Duties, Barr. Ekpenyong Akiba, said the exercise is aimed at restoring potable water supply to Calabar and neighbouring communities by enabling the replacement of ageing underground pipelines and other essential infrastructure.
According to him, several residential structures were built directly on major water pipelines and facilities, making rehabilitation work impossible without clearing the affected areas.
Akiba rejected claims of political vendetta, stressing that the demolition affects properties across political lines, including those belonging to serving government officials, former public servants, retirees, and private citizens.
“This exercise is in the overriding public interest. It is about restoring public water supply, not targeting political opponents,” he said, adding that all affected property owners were served adequate notices and that provisions for relocation would be considered where necessary.
The government reiterated that the rehabilitation of the Cross River Water Board remains a key priority of Governor Bassey Otu’s administration as part of ongoing efforts to provide reliable potable water to residents and improve public infrastructure across the state.
