The Lagos State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has criticised the All Progressives Congress (APC) government led by Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu over its planned enforcement of borehole regulations.

The party described the move as insensitive to residents’ water needs and economic realities, particularly amid inadequate public water supply across communities.

In a statement on Sunday, the state  PDP Deputy Chairman, Kayode Ogunbiyi, said the government’s threat to seal boreholes and prosecute operators drilling without approval demonstrated its failure to provide adequate public water supply. 

Mr Ogunbiyi, reacting to the warning issued by the Lagos State Water Regulatory Commission (LASWARCO), said it was unreasonable to threaten residents.

He said residents had resorted to drilling boreholes because of persistent inadequacy of public water supply across communities. 

Mr Ogunbiyi said, “The decision of the Lagos State Government to threaten residents with the sealing of boreholes and prosecution for unauthorised drilling is insensitive to the prevailing realities confronting the people.

“Rather than providing adequate and accessible public water supply, the APC-led government is threatening residents who have been compelled to seek alternative sources of water.

“It is unreasonable for a government that has failed to guarantee regular public water supply to threaten residents who have invested their resources in providing water for their households and businesses.”

Mr Ogunbiyi said though groundwater regulation was important for environmental protection and public health, such measures should consider the economic challenges confronting residents.

He said, “Access to clean and affordable water is a fundamental necessity and should not become another financial burden through excessive regulations, permits and threats of prosecution.

 “Government must first demonstrate its commitment to providing reliable water infrastructure before imposing restrictions on residents who depend on boreholes.

 “Environmental protection and public health considerations should go hand in hand with policies that protect the welfare and economic interests of the people.”

The PDP leader urged the state government to adopt a people-centred approach to water regulation, insisting that environmental protection should not translate into punishment.

 He called on Lagos residents to use the 2027 governorship election to end the APC administration by voting for the party’s candidate, Adedeji Doherty.

He said Mr Doherty’s emergence as governor would usher in an administration committed to addressing residents’ challenges and delivering massive relief measures.

Mr Ogunbiyi said,  “The 2027 governorship election presents Lagos residents with an opportunity to make a decisive choice about the future of their state.

 “We urge the people to vote for the PDP and its governorship candidate, Mr Adedeji Doherty, to enthrone a government that will prioritise their welfare.

 “Our party is committed to introducing massive relief measures that will improve living conditions, strengthen public infrastructure and ease economic pressures confronting households and businesses.”

He further pledged that a PDP administration under Mr Doherty would prioritise affordable potable water, improve essential public services and promote policies supporting households, businesses and vulnerable groups.

Mr Ogunbiyi urged residents across the state’s 20 Local Government Areas to support Mr Doherty and the PDP in the 2027 governorship election.

He said the state needed a change of direction towards inclusive development, accountable leadership and improved service delivery.

The state government, through LASWARCO, had said it observed with grave concern the unauthorised and indiscriminate drilling of boreholes and groundwater abstraction across the state without requisite permits and approvals.

The commission, in a statement on Thursday by its Executive Secretary, Oluwabukola Adeyemo, said it would not hesitate to seal any facility found in violation and prosecute offenders. 

(NAN)