The Cross River State Ministry of Water Resources has sealed off a borehole project at Akai Efa Primary School in the Calabar Municipal Local Government Area, citing violations of the recently enacted Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) Law 2025.

The enforcement action was carried out by a joint task force comprising officials from the Ministry’s Regulatory Department and the Borehole Drillers Association of Nigeria (BODAN), following approval from the State Task Group on WASH, chaired by the Permanent Secretary, Mr. Okon Ita.

The team, which began statewide operations on August 1, is currently conducting house-to-house enforcement of the law.

In a letter addressed to the school’s Head Teacher, the Commissioner for Water Resources, Barr. Bassey Mensah, explained that the borehole, initiated under the Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC), failed to meet regulatory requirements.
He noted that substandard materials, such as black casings, were used; no water quality analysis was conducted; and the contractor failed to obtain both a drilling permit and a license from the state government.

Mensah stressed that while the decision may cause inconvenience, the ministry will not compromise on public health or environmental safety.
“Water is a vital resource for life. We are committed to ensuring that every borehole in the state complies with standard procedures to safeguard the health of our people,” he said.

He further urged residents and institutions to seek clearance from the WASH Regulatory Department before embarking on any borehole drilling, warning that violators risk sanctions.