By Bashirat Omotosho
Prof. Saminu Olatunji of the Department of Geophysics, University of Ilorin, has raised concerns over the increasing number of boreholes in residential communities, warning that the trend poses significant environmental and public health risks.
Speaking during an interview with the UNILORIN Bulletin, Prof. Olatunji said that the indiscriminate drilling of boreholes, often without professional assessment, threatens the sustainability of groundwater resources.
He said, “While boreholes have become a quick fix for water scarcity, the uncontrolled digging of multiple boreholes in close proximity leads to the rapid depletion of aquifers”, adding that “this can result in drying up of wells, land subsidence, and deterioration of water quality due to contamination.”
The don noted that the absence of a central water management system in many urban and semi-urban areas has pushed individuals and institutions to sink private boreholes, often in violation of environmental regulations.
According to him, “Without coordinated groundwater monitoring and regulation, we are risking long-term consequences, including water shortages, conflicts over water access and irreversible damage to the ecosystem.”
To address the growing challenge, Prof. Olatunji recommended the establishment of a community-based water management policy that includes regulation of borehole drilling, implementation and enforcement of laws that require environmental impact assessments before any drilling activity.
He added that centralised water systems by the governments and community leaders through investing in centralised and well-maintained public water supply systems will reduce reliance on private boreholes.
Prof. Olatunji advised that sensitisation programmes should be launched to educate residents on the environmental implications of excessive borehole usage.
He urged policy makers, environmental agencies, and community leaders to act swiftly to prevent a looming water crisis, noting that “water is life, but if we mismanage its source, we risk endangering both our health and our future.”
