Water is essential for life and access to clean drinking water is a basic human right. However, in Nigeria, access to clean drinking water is a major challenge for many people.
Boreholes have become the go-to solution for communities, businesses, and individuals who can afford them. But then, the indiscriminate sinking of boreholes in Nigeria is a growing concern that threatens our environment and the health of our people.
Why are boreholes indiscriminately sunk in Nigeria?
There are various reasons why boreholes are indiscriminately sunk in Nigeria. One of the major reasons is the lack of access to clean drinking water. Many communities in Nigeria do not have access to clean water, and boreholes are seen as a quick fix to this problem. Also, the erratic supply of water by the government has made people turn to boreholes for a reliable and constant supply of water. In addition, the lack of enforcement of regulations by the government has allowed individuals and businesses to sink boreholes without proper regulations.
What is the quantity of drinking water consumption in Nigeria, Lagos in particular?
According to the United Nations, an individual needs at least 50 liters of water per day to meet their basic needs. However, in Nigeria, the average consumption of water per person per day is estimated to be about 9 liters. In Lagos, the commercial capital of Nigeria, the average consumption of water per person per day is estimated to be about 41.1 liters. This is below the recommended amount and highlights the need for increased access to clean drinking water in Nigeria.
Has the government made pronouncements regarding indiscriminate sinking of boreholes?
The Nigerian government has made several pronouncements regarding the indiscriminate sinking of boreholes. In 2017, a Bill stipulating prison term or fine for residents who drill boreholes without government authorization in Lagos State was passed by the state House of Assembly. The National Water Resources Bill, seeks to regulate and protect Nigeria’s water resources. The bill proposes that drilling companies must obtain a permit before sinking boreholes and that the government will monitor and regulate the drilling process to ensure that it does not have negative environmental consequences.
In the same year, the Federal Government, through the Nigeria Integrated Water Resources Management Commission, NIWRMC, commenced the regulation and licensing of borehole drilling and water usage in the country.
In 2018, the Federal Ministry of Water Resources issued a directive that all boreholes must be registered with the ministry. Section 75 of a Bill passed by the House of Representatives in 2020 states that no corporate organization or individual shall commence borehole drilling business in Nigeria unless such driller has been issued a water well driller’s license by the commission.
The President of the Association of Water Well Drilling Rig Owners and Practitioners (AWDROP), Michael Ale, also warned against indiscriminate drilling of boreholes in 2022, stating that it is of great danger for the country.
However, these directives have not been effectively enforced, and many boreholes continue to be sunk without proper registration. Also, the Lagos State government has recently issued a regulation that all boreholes must be sunk with a permit from the government. This is a step in the right direction, but more needs to be done to effectively regulate the sinking of boreholes in Nigeria.
What are the dangers?
The indiscriminate sinking of boreholes in Nigeria poses several dangers to our environment and the health of our people. One of the major dangers is the depletion of groundwater resources. Groundwater is a finite resource and the indiscriminate sinking of boreholes can lead to the depletion of this resource.
This can cause the drying up of rivers, lakes, and wetlands which will have negative impacts on ecosystems and biodiversity. Also, the indiscriminate sinking of boreholes can lead to contamination of groundwater sources. This can lead to the spread of water-borne diseases such as typhoid, cholera, and dysentery.
The over-extraction of groundwater can lead to land subsidence, which can cause buildings and infrastructure to sink or collapse. This can result in the loss of lives and property. Additionally, the over-extraction of groundwater can lead to saltwater intrusion, which can contaminate the freshwater supply and render it unusable.
Can technology save our environment from the indiscriminate sinking of boreholes in Nigeria?
Technology can play a major role in mitigating the indiscriminate sinking of boreholes in Nigeria. One technology that can be used is the installation of water treatment plants. This will provide communities with access to clean drinking water, reducing the reliance on boreholes.
Also, the use of solar-powered boreholes can reduce the impact of the indiscriminate sinking of boreholes on the environment.
Solar-powered boreholes are more efficient and have a lower carbon footprint than traditional boreholes. Furthermore, the use of satellite imagery can aid in the monitoring of the sinking of boreholes, ensuring that they are done in a sustainable and responsible manner.
Another technology is the use of geophysical surveys to map groundwater resources. By using geophysical surveys, drilling companies can identify areas with a high potential for groundwater and avoid areas where the over-extraction of groundwater can have negative environmental consequences.
Again, the installation of smart meters to monitor water consumption is an important technology. Smart meters can provide real-time data on water usage, which can help to identify areas where water is being wasted and promote efficient water use.
In conclusion, the indiscriminate sinking of boreholes in Nigeria is a growing concern that threatens our environment and the health of our people. The government needs to enforce regulations to ensure that boreholes are sunk sustainably and responsibly. Also, technology can play a major role in addressing this problem. The use of water treatment plants, solar-powered boreholes, and satellite imagery can help to ensure that boreholes are sunk in a sustainable and responsible manner, ultimately protecting our environment and the health of our people.
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