Published 23 February 2022
Borehole drillers in Ondo state, under the auspices of Association of Water Well Drilling Rig Owners and practitioners, have expressed dissatisfaction over the activities of non-professional drillers.
The association urged Mr Rotimi Akeredolu to establish a task force to stop quacks.
The call was made by Mr Dayo Opeyemi (National Vice Chairman of this association) at a meeting of officials from the state Ministry of Environment, Akure, which took place on Tuesday.
He warned that the activities and inactions of quacks would have a negative impact on the environment in the near future.
Opeyemi said that the system was already being abused by the activities within the system. We want the government regulation of the system. We are here to work in synergy and cooperation with the government.
Our system is prone to infiltration. Many foreigners are here to infiltrate the system. Their purpose is to make money, and then they will go. We want the government to step in.
Sunday Akinwalere, the state commissioner for environment, stated that the government would establish a task force to investigate the activities of illegal borehole drilling companies as part of its efforts to protect the environment.
Akinwalere stated that the state was already making arrangements for the state to send a bill to state House of Assembly regarding environmental protection.
He explained that the bill would cover everything regarding the protection of the environment in the State.
He said that the government of Akeredolu was committed to protecting the environment and people in the state. We have been allowed to partner with any good-willed organization like this one by the state. This bill is necessary to protect our environment.
Part of the deliberation on the issue of quackery is for them to register. That is when we can deal the quacks among them. We will ensure that you are not allowed to practice if your state government has not registered you.
The commissioner stated that the task force would be established for enforcement within the next two weeks.
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