The Nigerian Society of Engineers (NSE) has sounded the alarm over the deteriorating quality of water supplied to residents of Calabar metropolis.
This was made during public lecture held during the NSE 2024 Engineering Week in Uyo, where participants highlighted the urgent need for the Cross River State Government to take action to improve the situation.
The Guest Lecturer, Dr. Nkpa Ogarekpe, described the quality of water being supplied from private boreholes in the city as poor an unsafe.
Speaking at the lecture with the theme: “Safety Issues with Domestic Borehole Water Source”, Ogarekpe urged the government not to treat the issue of unsafe water with levity.
Ogarekpe, a Speaker at the Department of Civil Engineering, University of Cross River, revealed that some private boreholes in the city were sunk close to dump sites and gully erosions.
“Some privately-owned boreholes are sunk close to the Lemna Dump site and gully erosions within the Calabar metropolis, often supply contaminated water.
“This is not an assumption, it is the result of a study conducted on some boreholes within Calabar metropolis”, he said.
The lecturer quoted the World Health Organisation as saying that water could only be confirmed safe if it posed no significant health risk after consumption.
“A research conducted on some local boreholes within Calabar shows that the issue of pollution is caused within the metropolis.
“Borehole 48, located at Ikot Efanga, is in a place with significant level of pollution, of course you are all aware of the open dump site in that place.
“Borehole 23 is close to the gully erosion at Ndidem Osang Iso, and that gully is being used as a dump site”, he said.
NSE National President Mrs. Margaret Oguntala, Represented by Dr. Ndifon Agbiji, the National Executive Member in charge of Professional Development Board, echoed these concerns, emphasizing the crucial role of engineers in safeguarding public health through quality water infrastructure.
She urged the Cross River State Government to invest in upgrading the state’s water infrastructure to prevent further decline in water quality.
“The NSE branch in calabar should remind the State Government and the public of the role of engineers in this regard.
“Sometime ago, Cross River was ranked as one of the best states in the supply of potable water, but we are seeing a gradual decline from this status”, she said.
The NSE president stated investment in water infrastructure remained critical to the health and wellbeing of the residents.