COVID-19: Group asks FG to provide borehole potable water in schools

The Association of Water Well Drilling Rig Owners Practitioners (AWDROP) has asked the federal government to provide boreholes in schools for adequate water supply.

Educational institutions across the country were shut down in March to prevent the spread of COVID-19.

Speaking with journalists over the weekend, Michael Ale, national president of the association, said potable water supply will cushion the effects of COVID-19 when public and private schools resume.

According to him, the association is ready to help government implement the project with financial support, including that of private individuals.

Ale noted that only about 54 percent of the Nigerian population can presently access potable water.

“By year 1990, about 25% of Nigerian population had access to pipeborne water supply. And between 1990 and 2015, the population who had access reduced to 7% considering the fact that population had increased beyond 200 million,” he said.

“So, my assessment is that we are not moving forward and this is corroborated by the World Bank, FG and NIBS. Talking about general supply of potable water, only about 54% of Nigerian population presently can access it and about 46% shortfall recorded.

“Although this is increasing through intervention by government, private bodies and other individuals. You can see volume of underground water supply is more than surface water.

“Now, with the COVID-19 pandemic, it tells us that we need to do more to save lives by having running potable water. We are looking at 100% access by 2030 and it is achievable if we put things right.”