“We will not compromise public health, as our Ministry is committed to enhancing service delivery in the Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene Sector,” Mensah added.
By Nakanda Iyadim
In a move to uphold regulatory standards in the water sector following the recent enactment of the State’s Water Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) Law of 2025 by Governor Bassey Edet, a joint Taskforce made up of the Regulatory Department, Ministry of Water Resources and Borehole Drillers Association of Nigeria (BODAN) Cross River State have shut down the ongoing borehole construction at Akai Efa Primary School in Calabar.
The Taskforce Team, which commenced operations on August 1, 2025, following unanimous approval by the State Task Group on Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (STG-WASH), chaired by the Ministry’s Permanent Secretary, Engr Okon Ita, is now conducting house-to-house enforcement of the water law in collaboration with the BODAN.
In a letter of execution signed by the Commissioner, Barrister Bassey Mensah, addressed to the school’s Head Teacher, following the sealing, outlined that the borehole project initiated by the Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC) did not comply with regulatory guidelines and standards stipulated in the State’s Water Law 2025.
The letter stated, “The Ministry has noted that the borehole drilled at your school does not fulfill the necessary requirements and cannot be classified as a standard domestic borehole due to the use of substandard materials (such as black casings) and the lack of water quality analysis.”
It further emphasized that, “the required regulatory procedures, including a site inspection to ensure the borehole’s distance from soak-away pits and other potentially contaminated areas, were not adhered to.”
The correspondence also pointed out that the contractor failed to secure a Drilling Permit from the Ministry’s Regulatory Department and has yet to register with the State Government for a Drilling License.
“Due to these regulatory violations, the Ministry will proceed to seal the borehole and ensure that appropriate materials are utilized and standard procedures are followed. The Commissioner acknowledged the potential inconvenience this might cause but reiterated the importance of adhering to proper protocols, stating, “Water is a vital resource for life.”
The Commissioner urged the public to familiarize themselves with the new regulations, which require anyone wishing to drill a borehole in the State to obtain clearance from the WASH Regulatory Department within the Ministry of Water Resources.
“We will not compromise public health, as our Ministry is committed to enhancing service delivery in the Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene Sector,” Mensah added.