The President of the Association of Waterwell Drilling Rig Owners and Practitioners (AWDROP), Mr. Michael Ale, has called for a partnership between borehole drillers and the government to tackle the ravaging waterborne diseases in the country. He also noted that the cost of drilling boreholes has more than tripled, making it unaffordable for the middle class, let alone the poor.
Ale made these statements on Friday during his welcome address at the 7th National Borehole Practitioners Conference and Congress held at the Reverton Hotel in Kogi State. The event, organized by AWDROP, is a biannual gathering aimed at addressing the challenges of borehole sustainability in Nigeria's current economic climate.
During his address, Mr. Ale highlighted the importance of focusing on borehole sustainability from the conceptualization stage to execution. He expressed concern over the significant amount of money spent on borehole projects that have little to no impact on the financial and social well-being of the communities they serve. He also noted the alarming number of water-related diseases recorded in hospitals across the country.
To tackle these challenges, Mr. Ale emphasized the need for collaboration between borehole practitioners and the government. He suggested partnering on technical and financial regulation within the sector, monitoring and supervision of projects, collecting data on dysfunctional facilities, and exploring water for irrigation to enhance food security. These are just a few areas where cooperation could make a significant impact.
Mr. Ale expressed gratitude to the National Organizing Committee and the local organizing committee for making the congress possible. He also recognized the resource persons who were carefully selected to share their expertise. He encouraged all participants to make the most of the conference by networking and enjoying their time in the confluence state.
Mr. Ale also reflected on the progress AWDROP has made since its establishment ten years ago. While the association's goal of reaching the top echelon of professional bodies has not been fully achieved, they have established themselves as partners with governments and agencies at all levels. AWDROP now has a presence in 27 states of Nigeria, including the federal capital territory.
He stressed the importance of AWDROP's slogan, "Water is Life," and how it goes beyond business ventures. The lack of potable water, especially in rural areas, poses a significant challenge to many Nigerians. Ale revealed that AWDROP is committed to alleviating this suffering, even at the expense of their business profits. He noted that about 80% of Nigeria's water supply comes from boreholes, making it crucial to regulate and improve the exploration and exploitation of this resource.
Mr. Ale also reiterated AWDROP's commitment to partnering with governments, organizations, politicians, and individuals to provide potable water through borehole drilling. He extended a warm welcome to the participants from across Nigeria and wished them a fruitful deliberation and an enjoyable stay in Lokoja, the confluence city.