Lagos to discourage sinking of boreholes – Commissioner

Lagos State Commissioner for Rural Development, Mr. Cornelius Ojelabi, says the government is determined to discourage indiscriminate drilling of individual boreholes in Lagos homes.

Ojelabi said the action would be taken through the provision of communal pipe-borne water schemes across the state.

A statement by the Ministry said the commissioner spoke during the inauguration of an 18,000-litre capacity Solar Powered Modified Type A Water Scheme, at Ofiran community in Ibeju-Lekki Local Government.

Ojelabi said, “The government is providing water facilities in all its communities to discourage the construction of individual boreholes in our various homes which if not checked, can have drastic effect on the ecological system, particularly in this era of climate change.”

He pointed out that most of the boreholes constructed in homes were not well treated, adding that some were even constructed near septic tanks, which could be dangerous to the health of the people.

The commissioner said, “Government’s water projects are always well-treated and therefore the state is sure of the source of water being taken by the people in areas where it has provided water.

“The government’s water projects also guarantee the safety of the people from waterborne diseases usually associated with contaminated water.”

 Ojelabi said the solar-powered water project was cheap to maintain since it required no electricity or generator to power and had the capacity to store power up to 24 hours a day.

The Chairman of Ofiran Community Development Association in the area, Mr. James Agogo, commended the government for the water.

The commissioner also inaugurated six newly installed transformers to communities such as  Akogun Araromi, Orimedu, Itugbehin, Odo-Egiri and Erefuru.

 Ojelabi later visited some monarchs in the area comprising Oloja of Epe, Oba Kamorudeen Animasaun; Olu of Epe, Oba S.O Adewale and some chiefs at Olja’s palace.

He urged them to support the government by giving contractors sent to carry our projects in the area  cooperation.


Source: http://www.punchng.com/news/lagos-to-discourage-sinking-of-boreholes-commissioner/