The Lagos State government, through the Water Regulatory Commission (LASWARCO), on Thursday, October 29, expressed worries over what it described as unauthorised and indiscriminate drilling of boreholes and groundwater abstraction across the state.
It stated that many property owners across the state nowadays drill boreholes without requisite permits and approvals from the government.
According to the commission, the indiscriminate drilling of boreholes poses serious public health risks, can lead to groundwater contamination, can contribute to land subsidence and what it described as “threat to the long-term water security of millions of residents in the state.”
“Drilling or abstracting groundwater without LASWARCO authorisation is illegal and punishable under the law.
“Every unregulated borehole endangers our collective future and compromises the sustainability of our environment. All intending drillers and abstractors must obtain the necessary permits from LASWARCO,” the commission said in a statement on Thursday.
It added that it would not hesitate to seal off any facility found in violation and prosecute offenders accordingly.
The commission, therefore, called on all residents, community leaders and stakeholders to support the government’s enforcement drive, stressing that when they see illegal borehole drilling or groundwater abstraction in their areas, they should report it immediately.
