The Nigerian Society of Engineers, NSE, has called on the Cross River State government to urgently provide potable water for residents in the state.
The call is based on the suspected contamination of water sources in parts of Calabar by the dumpsite near Lemna community.
NSE had raised concerns following research report that some domestic boreholes in Calabar metropolis are contaminated and may pose serious health risk to residents.
They raised the concern during a Public Lecture organized as part of activities to mark the 2024 Engineering week on the theme, ‘Safety Issues with Domestic Boreholes Water Source’.
Dr. Nkpa Ogarekpe, the guest lecturer, an Associate Professor of Department of Civil Engineering in the University of Cross River State, disclosed that some boreholes in Calabar, which are close to gully erosions and dumpsites, are contaminated.
He said the findings were made after a research on some boreholes within Calabar metropolis, adding that according to the World Health Organization, WHO, water is safe if it doesn’t pose any significant health risk over a lifetime of consumption.
Ogarekpe who is also the current Head of the Department of Civil Engineering at the university, feared that the contamination could pose a health risk of cancer to users.
“Research we did on some local boreholes within Calabar shows that the issue of pollution is localized within the metropolis. Borehole 48, at Ikot Efang Apa, these are places where we have some significant level of pollution, of course you are all aware of the open dump site in that place.
“While Borehole 23 is close to the gully erosion to Ndidem Osang Iso, that gully was used as a dump site, so that most likely account for the contamination of ground water. 13 and 15 at Asim-ita and Eyoma streets, all are polluted. These issues are localized and the health risk is cancer.”
He however added, “One third of the global population depends on the ground water. Borehole safety issue is global challenge, it’s not just our problem here in Nigeria.”
National President of the NSE, Mrs Margaret Oguntala said there was need for the state government and the public to be reminded of the role of engineers in maintaining standards in quality of domestic water sources.
Represented by Dr Ndifon Agbiji, national EXCO member in charge of Professional Development Board, Oguntala advised Governor Bassey Otu to upgrade the water infrastructure in the state.
“In time past, Cross River State was ranked as the best in supply of potable water and we are seeing a gradual decline from this statuesque.
“So our message as NSE is to encourage the governor to brace up among other challenges he met on ground and put his best foot forward in ensuring that the health and safety of the generality of the members of the public in Cross River State is enhanced by providing potable water supply for the people.”
Contamination: NSE urges Cross River Govt to provide potable water for residents
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