The Lagos State Water Regulatory Commission (LASWARCO) has condemned the unauthorised drilling of boreholes and indiscriminate groundwater abstraction across the state, warning that offenders risk having their facilities sealed and facing prosecution.
The Commission, in a statement issued by the Office of its Executive Secretary, Barr. Oluwabukola Khadijah Adeyemo, said the activities posed serious public health risks, contributed to groundwater contamination and land subsidence, and threatened the long-term water security of millions of Lagos residents.
LASWARCO said it was 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.
Adeyemo stressed that drilling boreholes or abstracting groundwater without the Commission’s authorisation was 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 warned that the Commission would not hesitate to seal facilities found operating in violation of the law and prosecute those responsible.
The Executive Secretary urged residents, community leaders and other stakeholders to support the Commission’s enforcement efforts by reporting cases of illegal borehole drilling and groundwater abstraction in their communities.
Complaints can be made through LASWARCO’s hotline on 0816 878 2223 or in person at its office on the third floor of Block 19, Lagos State Secretariat, Alausa, Ikeja.