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.

He said, “The rising population has made borehole drilling necessary as every household requires consistent water supply. But it is important to note the risks associated with random drilling of boreholes; very often, they are drilled near dump sites, septic tanks, animal pens, stormwater canals and sewage lines.

“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.’’.

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.

He noted that indiscriminate borehole drilling resulted from the government’s inability to provide adequate potable water.

Mr Uzoma called on state governments to prioritise funding for water infrastructure to minimise unregulated borehole proliferation.

He emphasised that indiscriminate drilling affected water availability and quality, with severe consequences for the ecosystem, public health and community well-being.

The president, however, stressed the need for comprehensive water policies and adequate supply to reduce reliance on boreholes.

The Nigerian Integrated Water Resources Management Commission said recently that it was collaborating with professional bodies to regulate borehole drilling and collect data on industry activities.

Among the outfits it is collaborating with are the Council of Nigerian Mining Engineers and Geoscientists, the Association of Water Well Drilling Rig Owners and Practitioners, and BODAN.

A director at the commission has, however, opined that the non-passage of the National Water Resources Bill, currently before the National Assembly, was limiting its regulatory capabilities.

The official, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said that the situation was also hurting efforts to monitor and address issues related to indiscriminate borehole drilling.

He said that research was ongoing to investigate potential links between earth tremors and excessive groundwater extraction.

 (NAN)