Geologist, Traditional Rulers Discuss Ending Borehole Collapsing In Enugu Communities

A geologist, Dr Innocent Ezeugwu, has explained factors behind increasing cases of failed boreholes across communities in Enugu North Senatorial Zone of Enugu State.

Ezeugwu, the Managing Director of Geo-INN Services Ltd, disclosed the factors when he interfaced with traditional rulers and other community stakeholders drawn across the senatorial zone during the unveiling of Free Underground Water Exploration in the senatorial zone as part of his company’s social corporate responsibility.

NEWSNGR reports that the unveiling attracted traditional rulers and presidents general of various communities in the zone as well as members of the clergy.

He said one of the causes of bolehole failures is lack of professional competence and honest investigations to know what lies beneath the ground before digging boleholes.

According to him, “Some people who dig boleholes are not professional geologists. Using a geologist for exploration is the first way out. Even when people might not use geologists for the actual drilling, we advise them to engage them for the feasibility and supervision. Engaging experts to supervise the processes would remove collapse in the long run. First, geologists recommend the depth to drill to tap the aquifer. If the water table is not ascertained by experts, the tendency to experience failed boreholes is high.

“It’s painful that individuals, families and communities invest huge amounts of money to drill boreholes in order to get potable water, but within a short period, these investments go down the drain.”

He said the initiative is to provide free groundwater information to participating communities “so that they can make informed decisions on how to identify locations to dig their boleholes through recommendations”.

Speaking at the event, the third Vice-Chairman of Enugu State Traditional Rulers Council and traditional ruler of Igga Ancient Kingdom in Uzo-Uwani LGA, HRH Igwe Herbert Ukuta, commended Ezeugwu on his decision to address bolehole challenges in the entire senatorial zone.

Ukuta, who is also the Chairman of Enugu North Senatorial District Traditional Rulers Council, said the initiative would go a long way in addressing the problem of dry or collapsed boleholes in the district.

He expressed concern about situations where people, after spending a huge amount of money to dig boleholes, get frustrated following drying up of such boreholes within a short period of time.

Igwe Ukuta said, “Ezeugwu’s promise to address the problem of dry or collapsed boleholes in the entire district is cheering news and a welcome development. As a geologist and groundwater consultant, he is in a better position to get the accurate geological information of the location any community wants to dig a bolehole. His honest advice to such communities will prevent dry or collapsed boleholes. He is an expert on the field and the service he is offering is free of charge.”

Mr Uchenna Nnadi, member, Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN), who was the Chairman of the occasion, commended Ezeugwu for his decision to tackle the problem of water in the zone by deploying his expertise.

“Water is the fountain of life, so everybody should support Ezeugwu to tackle the problem of dry or collapsed boleholes in the district,” said Nnadi.

Our correspondent reports that the event witnessed questions from community stakeholders and answers provided by resource persons of the company.