By Our Correspondent
An enironmental management expert, Mr. Stephen Adegoke, has raised alarm that water samples recently taken from boreholes of over 60 metres deep in areas such as Idu in Abuja, Dobi and Mararaba in Nassarawa State, and Suleija in Niger State shows the presence of faecal coliform bacteria.
This, according to the environmentalist, indicates significant contamination of the groundwater in the areas mentioned by human and animal waste.
In addition, Adegoke cited a recent UNICEF report 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 in that part of the state is slightly acidic and unsafe for consumption.
He called on government agencies to adopt measures to control indiscriminate borehole drilling suggesting that stringent regulation need be put in place for drilling companies to ensure people are mae to drink safe water.
Speaking in Abuja on Sunday, Adegoke noted that investment in pipe-borne water was also important to provide reliable drinkable water sources and reduce the nation’s dependent on boreholes.
He lamented huge burden placed on women and children, who often walk for hours to fetch drinking water, a situation that had compelled many home owners to drill boreholes without considering its effect on the ecosystem.
The water expert urged Nigerians to seek professional advice and services when constructing boreholes to avoid the negative impacts of using quack borehole drillers.
His words: ”The rising population particularly in Abuja, Lagos and other cities around the country 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 ofter, they are drilled near dumpsites, septic tanks, animal pens, stormwater canal and sewage lines.
”Recent water samples from boreholes over 60 metres deep in areas such as Idu in Abuja, Dobi and Mararaba in Nasarwa State, and Suleija in Niger State, have shown the presence of faecal coliform bacteria.”
Meanwhile, the President of the Boreholes Drillers Association of Nigeria, Francis Uzoma, has said the association has embarked on sensitization of members to obtain necessary drilling licence and ensure they adhere strictly to the National Drilling Code of Practice.
Uzoma noted that indiscriminate borehole drilling across the country was as a result of government’s failure to provide the people with drinkable water emphasizing that uncontrolled borehole drilling usually affect of water availability and quality, with severe consequences for the ecosystem, public health and community wellbeing.
He stressed the need for comprehensive water policies and adequate supply to reduce over-dependent on boreholes by majority of the populace.