Okoritak community urges Akwa Ibom HCDTs to prioritize investment in safe, sustainable drinking water.

Okoritak, an oil‑rich community located in Ibeno Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State, has urged the Host Community Development Trusts (HCDTs) that operate in the council to focus on securing safe and sustainable drinking water, citing benefits for public health, livelihoods, and residents’ overall well‑being.

The request was voiced at a stakeholders’ roundtable titled “Sustainable Development in Okoritak Community,” which was organized by community leaders together with the Clement Isong Foundation (CIF) and the Ibeno Youth Advocacy Network (IYAN).

The community has long struggled with a persistent water problem.

Following the roundtable, the community released a communiqué urging the Akwa Ibom State Rural Water Supply and Sanitation Agency (AKRUWATSAN), pertinent ministries, departments and agencies (MDAs), and the HCDTs to enhance cooperation and broaden access to sustainable rural water infrastructure and other critical social services in underserved areas.

Participants praised the Seplat Host Community Development Trust’s pledge to reassess its development priorities and to include Okoritak in upcoming potable water projects, after confirming that the community’s water issue persists.

They further emphasized that all development plans carried out under the Host Community Development Trust framework must be informed by participatory needs assessments, ensuring that investments are evidence‑based and aligned with community priorities.

The communiqué, in part, stated: “That all development interventions in Okoritak community be implemented through transparent, inclusive and accountable processes that actively engage traditional institutions, women, young people and other community stakeholders, and in the best interest of the people of Okoritak. That the Clement Isong Foundation (CIF) and other civil society organisations continue to facilitate evidence‑based advocacy, stakeholder engagement and partnership‑building to strengthen accountability and improve development outcomes in host communities.”

“That development partners, government institutions and the private sector leverage existing community structures and partnerships to promote integrated investments in water security, environmental sustainability and resilient livelihoods within Okoritak community.”

Participants concluded that sustainable development in Okoritak is attainable, yet it demands intensified collaboration among Host Community Development Trusts, government bodies, civil society organisations, traditional institutions, and the community.