The Federal Government yesterday reads the riot act to water borehole drillers across the country, asking them to strictly embrace the code of their practice in order to ensure the provision of potable ground water for the citizens.
Minister of Water Resources, Mrs. Sarah Ochekpe, stated this yesterday in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital, while declaring open an international workshop on; "Standardising Borehole Drilling Activities in Nigeria," organised by the Association of Waterwell Drilling Rig Owners and Practitioners (AWDROP).
Ochekpe, who was represented by a Director in the Ministry, Mr. Adetunji Idowu, called on the borehole drilling practitioners to initiate a monitoring programme with a view to fishing out members who are not complying with existing standards.
She said; "For a borehole to serve its intended purpose, it is expected that drilling and construction activities are carried out according to established standards and code.
"Following strictly the code of practice for water well construction, borehole drilling activities will be standardised in Nigeria, regulations on drilling activities will take place and contractors not following bore well construction standards will be ruled out of business.
"The provision of potable water infrastructure in the form of standardised boreholes has great impact on communities, households and individuals. There are both direct and indirect environmental, social and economic impact benefits from boreholes provision to communities. "For example, education made possible through the provision of boreholes can affect income and health and both in turn do affect the quality of life of individuals, their households and their communities.