The Cross River State Government has initiated enforcement of Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) regulations, targeting operators of illegal borehole drilling and water supply services. Commissioner for Water Resources, Obol Moses Osogi, announced that the government would no longer tolerate unregulated activities in the water sector. The enforcement aims to address the increasing rate of indiscriminate borehole drilling and proliferation of unregistered operators across the state.
Osogi stated that poorly regulated boreholes pose significant risks to public health, groundwater resources, and the environment. He emphasized that access to safe water can only be guaranteed when water infrastructure meets approved regulatory standards. The government will intensify monitoring, inspection, and compliance checks across the state in collaboration with relevant regulatory agencies and stakeholders.
Under the new enforcement regime, borehole drilling companies, consultants, developers, institutions, and water service providers must obtain registration and licences from the Ministry of Water Resources. They are required to obtain the necessary permit or authorisation from the designated regulatory authority before commencing borehole projects. Proposed projects must undergo geophysical and geological investigations before drilling.
The government has outlined specific requirements for borehole drilling, including the use of approved drilling methods and standard materials, compliance with proper casing and grouting procedures, and water quality tests before commissioning. Operators must maintain drilling logs, pumping test records, and completion reports while adopting environmentally responsible practices.
Residents, schools, hospitals, hotels, industries, estate developers, and community organisations are urged to patronise only licensed borehole contractors and demand evidence of registration, permits, and water quality certification. The government warned that enforcement teams would be deployed to identify violators, who could face fines, closure, and prosecution.
Osogi stressed that the exercise is not intended to hinder legitimate businesses but to sanitise the water sector, protect consumers, preserve groundwater resources, and ensure access to safe drinking water. The state reaffirmed its commitment to national WASH objectives and Sustainable Development Goal Six on clean water and sanitation.
The government emphasised that compliance with the regulations is mandatory, with Osogi stating, "Safe water is not negotiable. Public health is not optional. Compliance is mandatory." The enforcement aims to guarantee access to safe water and protect public health.
Key points
- The Cross River State Government has begun enforcing WASH regulations to address the proliferation of unregistered borehole operators and ensure access to safe drinking water.
- Operators of borehole drilling and water supply services are required to obtain registration and licences from the Ministry of Water Resources to avoid sanctions.
- The government has deployed enforcement teams to identify violators, who could face fines, closure, and prosecution for non-compliance with regulations.
