Concerns Highten Over Indiscriminate Drilling of Boreholes, NAN Reports
A water and environmental management expert, Dr Stephen Adegoke, has called on government agencies to adopt measures to control indiscriminate borehole drilling.
He also suggested stringent regulation of drilling companies.
Mr Adegoke said in Abuja on Sunday that increased investment in pipe-borne water was also important to provide reliable potable water sources and reduce the nation’s dependence on boreholes.
He urged Nigerians to seek professional advice and services when constructing boreholes to avoid the negative impacts of using unqualified personnel.
Mr Adegoke noted the huge burden placed on women and children, who often walk for hours to fetch drinking water, a situation that had compelled many to drill boreholes without considering its effect on the ecosystem.
“Recent water samples from boreholes over 60 meters deep in areas such as Idu in Abuja, Dobi and Mararaba in Nasarawa State, and Suleja, Niger State, have shown the presence of faecal coliform bacteria. This indicates significant contamination of our groundwater by human and animal waste”, he said.
Citing a recent UNICEF report, Adegoke noted that water samples from boreholes in the Owerri zone of Imo State revealed an average pH of 6.0 to 6.5, indicating that the water was slightly acidic and unsafe for consumption.
He urged all tiers of government to take immediate action to address the issues and halt the trend.
Also, President of the Borehole Drillers’ Association of Nigeria, Francis Uzoma, said that the association was sensitising members to obtain drilling licences and adhering to the National Drilling Code of Practice.
Water Supply
