Drilling borehole without approval illegal, punishable by law – Lagos govt

…says offenders risk prosecution, sealing Of property

The Lagos State Government has warned that drilling boreholes or abstracting groundwater without approval is illegal and punishable under the law.

The warning was issued through a Wednesday statement signed by the Executive Secretary, Lagos State Water Regulatory Commission (LASWARCO), Barr. Oluwabukola Khadijah Adeyemo.

The commission said it has observed with grave concern the unauthorised and indiscriminate drilling of boreholes across the state without requisite permits.

It unequivocally condemned all illegal borehole drilling and groundwater abstraction conducted without valid authorisation from the commission.

Adeyemo said LASWARCO is statutorily mandated under the Lagos State Environmental Management and Protection Law 2017 to regulate borehole drilling, groundwater abstraction and water supply services in the state.

She warned that such unlawful activities pose serious public health risks, can lead to groundwater contamination, contribute to land subsidence and threaten the long-term water security of millions of Lagos residents.

“Drilling or abstracting groundwater without LASWARCO authorisation is illegal and punishable under the Law. Every unregulated borehole endangers our collective future and compromises the sustainability of our environment. All intending drillers and abstractors must obtain the necessary permits from LASWARCO,” she said.

She added that the commission would not hesitate to seal any facility found in violation and prosecute offenders.

The Executive Secretary therefore called on all residents, community leaders and stakeholders to support the government’s enforcement drive.

She urged residents to report illegal borehole drilling or groundwater abstraction in their areas immediately to LASWARCO via its Hotline: 08168782223 or visit its office at Block 19, 3rd Floor, Lagos State Secretariat, Alausa, Ikeja, for prompt action.

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