By Dupson Collins, 8th August, 2022
Ondo State Ministry of Environment in collaboration with the Association of Water Well Drilling Rig Owners and Practitioners (AWDROP) has begun registration of Borehole and Well Drillers in the State.
Speaking with the State Chairman of AWDROP, Areoye Oyeyemi Najeem, he stated that the exercise became necessary to flush out quackery in the noble profession.
The registration to be carried out at the State Secretariat of AWDROP at Road Block is in conjunction with the Ministry of Environment.
Areoye said the influx of Fake Borehole Drillers is a major concern not only to the association but also to government of Ondo State.
He noted that, the registration will correct a lot of things as the shaft will be separated from the wheat at the end of the exercise.
His words: ” In the years back, it is only the expert and qualified Geologists that drill boreholes but with the coming of Indians, quakery has taken over the profession”.
The Chairman added that, the registration is divided into three categories of professionals-Rig/Borehole Machine Owners, Geologists/Geophysicists and Operators/Technicians.
He frowned at the expatriate destroying the profession in the state, saying they are only after money without considering ecological and environmental effects of their unprofessional conduct in the state.
He added that the State Government and AWDROP Task Forces will swing into action the moment the registration is completed, noting that whoever is caught operating illegally will face the full wrath of the law.
While commending the Honourable Commissioner and Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Environment for their genuine initiatives of flushing quacks out of the state, he assured them of robust relationship, conducting their businesses in line with laid down procedure guiding the profession.
According to him, ” We have Professors, Doctors, Engineers among us. We are the professional body recognized by the government”.
He assured the government that no fake Borehole Drillers will be registered, saying the Consultancy Firm of the association handling the registration knows every bonafide and qualified Members.
He advised all members to participate in the registration exercise, saying it is for the good of the profession and individual practice.
