Cross River water resources ministry seals UBEC sponsored borehole in Akai Efa primary school for non-compliance with regulatory guidelines, standards

In a move to enforce regulatory standard in the water sector following the recent enactment of the State’s Water Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) law of 2025 by Governor Bassey Otu, 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 drilling at Akai Efa Primary School in Calabar.

The Taskforce Team, which commenced operation on August 1, 2025, following 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 BODAN.

In a letter of execution signed by the Commissioner, Barrister Bassey Mensah, addressed to the school’s Head Teacher, after 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 stressed 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 is 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 Permanent Secretary acknowledged the potential inconvenience this might cause but reiterated the importance of adhering to proper protocols, stating, “Water is a vital resource for life.”

He 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 in 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,” he added.

By: Archibong Emmanuel

(Snr. Reporter)