Association Congratulates New Water Resources Minister

The Association of Waterwell Drilling Rig Owners and Practitioners (AWDROP) has congratulated, Mr Joseph Utsev, the newly appointed minister for water resources and sanitation.

This was after the list of ministers and their portfolios was made public by President Bola Tinubu administration on Wednesday.

President of the association, Engr Michael Ale who doubles as the co-founder of Global Initiative for Nigeria Development (GIND) said it was a well-deserved appointment and has reawakened the need to address challenges in the water sector.

Ale pointed out that borehole is the most affordable and accessible clean underground potable water for Nigerians, adding that if not properly managed may become unaffordable for downtrodden Nigerians because of the high cost of borehole drilling.

According to him, water from boreholes comes straight from the ground, making it 100 per cent fresh and natural, unlike main water, which is actually 60 per cent recycled wastewater.

Speaking further he said that, “Borehole allows businesses to thrive as a lot of companies such as farms need water to grow plants and take care of livestock which makes a borehole installation a much more affordable option in the long run.

“Cost of drilling has risen from what it used to be to like 40% increase. This is really not good for Nigerian livelihood. My fear for the people in the rural area is not even as scared as those in the urban city.”

He therefore called on the new minister, Mr Joseph Utsev, and government at all levels to show dexterity in managing the sector which is the means of livelihood of Nigerians.