By Inyali Peter, Calabar
Cross born activist and a fierce critic of the Governor Ben Ayade’s administration, Comrade Ifere Paul has dragged the Managing Director of the State Water Board Limited, Dr. Godwin Igile to the Economic and Financial Crime Commission (EFCC) over alleged $200 million fraud.
In a letter dated April 6 and addressed to the Acting Chairman of the EFCC, Ifere said the management of the water board loaned $200 million from the world bank for the purpose of enhancing the supply of clean and treated water but have failed to use the money for the purpose.
He noted that the investigation is necessary as the quality of water supplied in the state currently is below standard, unhygienic and has caused residents avoidable ailments.
The activist further alleged that apart from the alleged $200 million dollars, the MD also diverted N200 million which was meant for staff salaries and allowances to his personal account.
“It has become imperative that investigations be carried out by the EFCC into the activities of the Cross River State Water Board Limited on how the Board used the 200 Million Dollars loan granted to it by the World Bank.
“The money was sourced for by the Board for the upgrading of water board equipments in order to enhance the treatment, discharge, and the supply of water to Cross River State citizens. But at present, there is so much decay in the Cross River State Water Board Limited”, he said.
Ifere added that “Despite a two hundred million dollars’ loan, the supply of clean and safe drinking water in the State is a problem. The whole state has not had safe drinking water for the past three weeks. Even when water is supplied, the smell of the water is as poignant as a rotten egg.