Development Partners in Nigeria’s Infrastructural Projects: An Evaluation of European Union Water Project in Odukpani Local Government Area of Cross River State

Abstract

The study evaluates European Union water project (WSSSRPI) in Odukpani Local Government Area, Cross River State, Nigeria. Specifically, the study sought to determine whether European Union water project could increase access to portable water, as well as reduce water-borne diseases in Odukpani Local Government Area, Cross River State. Cross-sectional survey research design was adopted. The study adopted purposive sampling technique in selecting four hundred (400) respondents from the nine communities in the study area. Data were obtained using a 31-item questionnaire entitled European Union Water Project designed by the researcher and validated by measurement and evaluation experts. The obtained data was statistically analysed using Pearson Product Moment Correlation Analysis. Two hypotheses were raised and subjected to statistical testing at 0.05 level of significance. The result of the study revealed that European Union water project has significantly increased access to access to portable water, as well as reduced water-borne diseases in Odukpani Local Government Area of Cross River State. The study concluded on the note that European Union water project (WSSSRPI) has increased access to portable water, as well as reduced water-borne diseases in Odukpani Local Government Area of Cross River State, Nigeria. Based on these findings, it is recommended among other things that government in collaboration with community leaders should improve on the water supply system in Odukpani Local Government Area of Cross River State. Also, diesel should be supplied by community leaders on a daily basis to maintain a constant supply of water in the study area.

Keywords: Development, partners, third world, donor, agencies, sustainable development, European Union, and water project