
The Association of Water Well Drilling Rig Owners and Practitioners (AWDROP) otherwise known as Nigerian Borehole Drillers Association has alerted the government of water scarcity and possible health dangers occasioned by current economic hardship in the country.
The President of the association, Engr. Michael Ale,who spoke at a press conference on Wednesday, warned of looming dangers of exposing vulnerable citizens to health risks of consuming unclean water.
Ale maintained that Abuja, Taraba, imo, Bauchi and others are states where scarcity of water is endemic,adding that the development was due to high cost of drilling which mounts pressure on government to provide potable water for its citizens.
He said the situation has given rise to individuals and corporate organizations to patronize unprofessional drillers which degenerates to haphazard drillings while many operators engage in dubious acts.
He tasked the government to take drastic action to address the anomalies before it gets out of hands.
He said: “Water scarcity is hitting many states now and the cost of drilling is getting high because of the exchange rate and the materials for borehole drilling for example, casings. Invariably, the cost of drilling is high which is mounting more pressure on government to provide water.
“This scenario is making the vulnerable more exposed to health risk which will in turn make government spend more on health.
“My advise to the state where such instance is precarious is to have a Water Supply resilient plan where emergency response is prompt. It is important to also note that government have responsibility to make water available to the citizen that is, access to potable water at different cost human and financial as the case may inferred.
“States battling with water scarcity include Abuja, Taraba, imo, Bauchi, others and my call to development partners is to make a conceited effort in making sure the result for the program they are supporting is sustainable.