By Nakanda Iyadim
In a decisive move aimed at revitalising the water sector, the Cross River State Government has officially issued stern warnings to borehole drillers and related stakeholders following the recent assent to the State Water Regulatory Law of 2025.
This was highlighted during an orientation meeting with the Commissioner, Ministry of Water Resources, Barrister Bassey Mensah and the General Manager of Cross River State Rural Water Supply and Regulatory Agency (RUWATSA) Mr Sunday Oko with Borehole Drillers Association of Nigeria (BODAN) in Calabar, Monday, where they sought to reaffirm the government’s commitment to enforcing regulations that are essential to safeguarding the State’s dwindling water resources.
Commissioner for Water Resources, Barrister Mensah, while addressing an enlarged BODAN executive and members, Cross River State Chapter, emphasised the necessity for compliance, declaring that the “honeymoon is over” for operators who have operated without proper oversight.
He expressed deep concern over the current state of water supply in Cross River, which has made residents heavily reliant on boreholes and voiced his disappointment at the actions of numerous operators who have exploited the situation, neglecting their responsibilities while benefiting from the public’s need for reliable water sources, urgently calling for accountability in an industry that has largely evaded regulation, leading to troubling inconsistencies in service and quality.
He said, “Initially our Governor was unaware of the depths of the crisis in the sector, but he has now gained insight into the challenges faced within the sector. As a proactive leader, he is dedicated to restoring the water supply system, starting with the legal framework necessary for implementing change.
“Today, he has weighed in on the matter, extending his sympathies to the citizens as they grappled with the fallout of a deteriorating water infrastructure. The Governor acknowledged the critical state of the water sector, attributing the reliance on boreholes to inadequate public supply and sees this Water Regulatory Law as a pivotal step in ensuring widespread access to clean and safe water for all residents, regardless of their location.”
He reiterated the importance of regulatory compliance, underscoring that the Government would not tolerate further negligence in the sector.
The Commissioner called upon the Borehole Drillers Association of Nigeria and other major stakeholders to collaborate with the Government to transition to a more regulated and accountable framework.
Mensah raised the hopes that the new law will create a sustainable water supply system that can alleviate the struggles faced by citizens, ensuring that the right to clean and safe water is upheld across the State.
Also speaking, the General Manager of Cross River State Rural Water Supply and Regulatory Agency (RUWATSA), Mr Oko, urged BODAN to assist the government in ensuring strict compliance with the new regulation across the State and warned of exploitation.
Earlier in his welcome address, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Water Resources, Engr Okon Ita, welcomed stakeholders to the engagement, emphasizing the need to acquaint them with the new regulatory environment, adding that the goal was to sustain the sector, check quackery, and address public health concerns arising from some water consumption practices.
Consultant to the Ministry, Pastor Johnson Eteng, who presented an overview of the new law, clarified that the regulation is not against stakeholders’ operations but rather provides a new direction for safe, sustainable water management and to ensure accountability.
In their separate remarks, BODAN Chairman and Secretary, Prince Edem Nsa and Elder John Enyin respectively, were delighted to have a regulatory framework in the State, acknowledging that it will help in controlling quackery that has been challenging in the sector.
They expressed their willingness to cooperate with the Government in enforcing the law and pray that they are carried along in water execution projects in the State.
The interactive session aimed to seek cooperation and partnership, ensure proper WASH (Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene) management and coordination, and protect the environment was attended by BODAN executives and members across the State.
