NAN-AE-4
Code
By Tosin Kolade
Abuja, Dec. 5, 2016 (NAN) The Borehole Drillers Association of Nigeria (BODAN), has commenced the implementation of the National Drilling Code of Practice to check quackery and arbitrary drilling of boreholes in the country.
President of the association, Mr Frank Uzoma, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja on Monday that the implementation was also aimed at protecting the nation`s groundwater resources.
He said the code of practice specifies the minimum requirement for drillers, supervising personnel and equipment to ensure cost effective construction of water well.
Uzoma said it was the duty of the National Water Resources Institute, Kaduna, to provide licences for water well for those who wish to construct well on application.
He said that the development of groundwater was one of the sources of interventions to attain water supply for all Nigerians.
He stressed the need for stiffer penalties to punish quackery in the system.
The president urged Nigerians to patronise only registered borehole drillers, saying this was the only way the country could do away with unsystematic drilling of boreholes.
He said the association was committed to work in line with the `Change Mantra` of President Muhammadu Buhari`s administration to improve on the dignity of labour in the sector.
Uzoma expressed appreciation to the Minister of Water Resources, Mr Suleiman Adamu, for his efforts to improve the sector and ensure that Nigerians enjoy quality and potable water.
He urged the government to support the professional body in its efforts to ensure that ethics and professionalsm is achieved.
“The vision is to standardise the borehole industry in Nigeria and to be the leading ground water association in Africa through making positive impact in the drilling sector.
“To control and regulate borehole business in order to preserve, conserve and sustain the industry for incoming professionals and investors, “ he said.
Uzoma called on all tiers of government to increase funding for the provision of water to enable more Nigerians access potable water.
“This is the only way Nigeria will meet the newly adopted Sustainable Development Goals before 2030.
“Water is life; it serves as the basic human resource for drinking, farming, cooking and various sanitary activities.
“That is why we need all stakeholders to partner with us to standardise water activities in the country, “ he said. (NAN)
TAK/MOL/AEA
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Edited by Mustapha Lamidi/Archibong Asuquo