Abstract
This paper sets out to examine the importance of community participation in the provision of water infrastructures in Southern Cross River, Nigeria. Correlational research design was adopted for the study and the stratified random sampling technique was employed in selecting two hundred rural dwellers for the study across Biase, Akamkpa, Odukpani, Calabar Municipality, Calabar South, Akpabuyo and Bakassi Local Government Areas. A structured questionnaire was the main instrument used for data collection and was subjected to validation by experts before use. Pearson Product Moment Correlation Analysis, was used to test the hypotheses under study at .05 level of significance. The results of the analysis revealed that community participation on pipe borne water infrastructures has a significant impact on the well-being of rural inhabitant in Southern Senatorial District of Cross River State, Nigeria. Also, community awareness on pipe borne water provision have any significant impact on the well-being of rural inhabitant in Southern Senatorial District of Cross River State, Nigeria. However, the key findings of this research will help to increase rural sustainability, enhance environmental management, address conflict resolution, increase community knowledge and as well reduce costs in the Southern community of Cross River State, Nigeria. It would also enhance the long-term operation and maintenance of these infrastructures by building local capacity and involvement among rural inhabitants. Based on the findings, it was recommended that the government should employ adequate professional agencies to educate the rural dwellers on the benefits in embracing the provision of pipe borne water infrastructures in communities.