The Cross River State government has signed its last phase of contract for the construction and extension of water production and distribution system in the state as part of efforts to improve the living standard as well as the sanitary conditions of its citizenry.

Upon conclusion, the Obubura Urban Renewal Project which is the last to be executed by the present administration is expected to be of benefit to over two million of its urban settlers across the state.

Deputy Governor of the state, Efiok Cobham, disclosed at the signing of the contract between the state government and a Chinese firm, which will handle the N3.2 billion project.

Reemphasising the importance of portable water to the Obubura community, he charged the contracting firm to bring its over 20 years of experience in the sector to bear, by delivering high quality service.

He noted that meeting the needs of the rural populace has been the desire of the present administration.

The completion of all the water projects already signed, he added, will place Cross River State as one the few states in the country to meet the Millennium Development Goals next year.

Commissioner for Water Resources, Elemi Etowa affirmed that all the necessary facilities in terms of funding needed to actualize the water projects have been secured from donor agencies and government is working towards the full implementation within the shortest possible time.

The Contract according to him which is funded by the World Bank is in fulfillment of the Governor Liyel Imoke-led administration strategy drive of providing hygienic and safe drinking water for all residents in Cross River State.

The contractor handling the project, Ye Shuijim promised adequate delivering of the project according to specification and on time.