C’River Commences Implementation And Enforcement of Sanitation Laws

The Cross River State Government has announced the commencement of strict implementation and enforcement of Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) regulations governing groundwater development and water supply services across the State,
warning Borehole Service Providers and other Stakeholders to comply with established standards or face sanctions.

The directive was contained in Press Statement issued by the Commissioner for Water Resources, Obol Moses Osogi, who said the government was concerned about the increasing rate of indiscriminate borehole drilling, the activities of unregistered operators, and widespread violations of technical standards in the water sector.

According to the Commissioner, the proliferation of poorly regulated borehole projects poses significant threats to public health, environmental sustainability, groundwater resources, and the overall welfare of citizens.

He noted that while access to safe and clean water remains a fundamental right, such access can only be guaranteed when water infrastructure is developed and managed in line with approved regulatory requirements.

“The era of operating without accountability in the water sector is over,” Osogi declared, adding that the Ministry of Water Resources, working with relevant Regulatory Agencies and Stakeholders, would intensify monitoring, inspections, compliance verification, and enforcement activities across the State.

Under the new enforcement guidelines, all Borehole Drilling rilling Companies, Consultants, Developers, Institutions, and Water Service Providers are required to obtain registration and licensing from the Ministry of Water Resources before engaging in any drilling, rehabilitation, water installation, or related services.

The government also directed that no borehole project should commence without obtaining the necessary permit or authorisation from the designated Regulatory Authority within the Ministry.

As part of efforts to ensure quality and safety, the Ministry mandated that all proposed boreholes projects must undergo geophysical and geological investigations before drilling. Operators are also required to comply with approved drilling methods, utilise standard materials, follow proper well casing and grouting procedures, and conduct compulsory water quality testing before any borehole is commissioned for public use.

In addition, Service Providers roviders must maintain and submit drilling logs, pumping test records, completion reports, and other technical documentation required by the government,stressing
further that the importance of environmental protection, directing operators to adopt environmentally responsible drilling practices and ensure the safe disposal of drilling waste to prevent groundwater contamination and damage to surrounding ecosystems.

The Government in the Statement,equally appealed to residents, schools, hospitals, hotels, industries, estate developers, and community organisations to patronise only licensed and approved Borehole Contractors. Citizens were also encouraged to request evidence of registration, permits, and water quality certification before engaging any service provider.

Obol Osogi warned that enforcement teams would be deployed throughout the State to identify and prosecute violators,noting that individuals or organisations found drilling boreholes without authorisation, operating without registration, breaching technical standards, wefalsifying records, or endangering public water safety would face penalties, including fines, closure of operations, and prosecution where necessary.

The Water Resources Commissioner explained that the enforcement exercise is not designed to hinder legitimate businesses but rather to sanitise the sector, enhance professionalism, protect consumers, preserve groundwater resources, and guarantee access to safe drinking water.

Reaffirming the State’s commitment to national WASH objectives and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal Six on clean water and sanitation, Obol Osogi said meaningful progress would only be achieved through collective responsibility, strict compliance, and effective enforcement.

He warned Borehole operators to henceforth be properly guided, adding that compliance with WASH regulations is now mandatory.

“Safe water is not negotiable. Public health is not optional. Compliance is mandatory,” the Commissioner said.