By BOLA BAMIGBOLA

The Osun State Government and the Coalition of Concerned Nigerian Citizens have disagreed over the introduction of a N50,000 fee payable into the government coffers before residents can drill boreholes in the state.

While the group rejected the policy and demanded its suspension, the administration of Governor Ademola Adeleke insisted that the fee was agreed upon after consultations with the state chapter of the Association of Water Well Drilling Rig Owners and Practitioners.

Addressing journalists in Osogbo, the state capital, on Monday, the group described the policy as exploitative, arguing that citizens should not be compelled to pay for a permit to access a basic necessity like water.

Rauf Sodiq, who spoke on behalf of the coalition, said successive administrations in the state had failed to provide adequate and accessible clean water, forcing many households to drill boreholes to meet their needs.

He noted that imposing a N50,000 permit fee would worsen the financial burden on residents.

“For instance, in Osun State, over 70 per cent of households rely on boreholes as their primary source of water due to the inadequacy of government-provided water supply.

“The policy is extortionate and burdensome, requiring individuals and companies to pay for a permit to drill boreholes, which is a basic necessity.

“This policy will only worsen the situation, as individuals will be forced to bear the cost of accessing water. It is unfair and anti-people”, he said.

Sodiq demanded the repeal of the policy and urged the government to provide adequate, accessible, and affordable clean water for residents.

“We urge the government to reconsider this policy and prioritise the needs of its citizens.

“We believe that this policy is unfair, anti-people, and extortionate, and we demand immediate action to address our concerns,” he added.

Reacting, the state Commissioner for Water Resources, Sunday Oroniyi, said the introduction of the permit was aimed at regulating the growing rate of borehole drilling in the state.

“If you are bringing a borehole to the state, you have to register. We want to know the kind of borehole you are drilling, ensure that it is done in the right location, and confirm that the water quality is tested before consumption.

“Borehole drilling is becoming rampant, so the Water Regulatory Commission has the responsibility to inspect and test the water.

“Before we imposed the fee, I invited AWDROP members to my office this year; they expressed their views and agreed to the payment.

“When the petition came, I sent it to them to confirm whether it emanated from them, and they denied it. I am surprised that some people are trying to use this for political gain,” the commissioner said.(Punch)