Charles Ekanem|17 June 2017
Director General of Cross River State Primary Healthcare Development Agency, Dr Betta Edu, and Honorable Commissioner of Social Housing, Mr Edem Okokon Effiom, Tuesday, laid foundation for the construction and furnishing of healthpost and Solar power borehole in Ikot Ekpo Eyo, Akpabuyo LGA NegroidHaven can report authoritatively.
The project which is funded by Community and Social Development Agency (CRS-CSDA) was attracted and facilitated to the community by an industrious daughter, Hon Margaret Ekpenyong Ephraim, a former councillor of the ward.
Laying the foundation for the construction of the health post Dr Betta Edu said she was called upon by the CPMC, Hon Margaret Ephraim, whose priority is to see her people smile and have access to basic healthcare.
"As part of State Government effort to provide equitable healthcare across the State, His Excellency, Senator (Prof) Ben Ayade introduced AYADECARE and also created Community and Social Development Agency whose synergies with the Cross River State Primary Health Care Development Agency has resulted in the building of several health post across the state in very remote villages that have no access to health services, in other to achieve Universal Health Coverage.
She said CRS-CSDA provided funds made available by the State Government for building of the healthcare center in the Akpabuyo as one of the key community development projects and are doing same for many other health post across the state. These funds are given to communities to aid their Development.
Dr Betta who was so delighted to be part of the epoch ground breaking ceremony of the healthpost and Solar Borehole lauded the facilitator, Hon. Margaret Ephraim Ekpenyong, for attracting the project to Ikot Ekpo Eyo village in Akpabuyo.
Finally she assured the community that the State Governor and the Honorable Commissioner of Health will be here to commission the project when it is completed as this project will directly reduce maternal and child mortality while improving access to health care in the community and Akpabuyo LGA.
She ended by eulogizing the Honorable Commissioner of Social Housing for supporting such a great project in his community. According to her it forms part of his social housing project to provide housing to the sick or vulnerable people.
Earlier Speaking the Honorable Commissioner of Social Housing, Mr Edem Okokon Effiom said the vision of the State Governor is to see that all communities have life touching social intervention projects. He used the opportunity to appeal for more project in Akpabuyo from Community and Social Development Agency (CRS-CSDA). He thanked the State Governor and everyone involved for making this project a reality.
Meanwhile the General Manager of Community and Social Development Agency (CRS-CSDA), Pastor Victor Ovat represented by M&E Manager, Mrs Josephine Ayuk had presented the copy of agreement and cheque of over a million naira for the construction of the health post to the community as first trench released for the project. According to her, the balance of the money will be paid as work progresses in the site.
Hon. Margaret Ephraim Ekpenyong the facilitator of the project commended the Governor of Cross River State Sen Ben Ayade which she referred to as a promise keeper for bringing health post to her ward. Noting that this will save lives and improve health in her remote village.
Also present at the foundation laying was the Village Head of Ikot Ekpo Eyo and Clan head of Esuk Mba, HRH. Etinyin Ekpenyong Okon Ephraim who were grateful to the State Governor for initiating a project the entire community was yearning for in the past.
The day ended with celebrations with the youths in the community who were so grateful to the Governor, and vowed to support the protect.
Charles Ekanem
Writes from Calabar
