The Ogun State Government says it will henceforth issue an operating permit to all industries and others before embarking on drilling of borehole in their premises.

Government says this is in effect to regulate groundwater extraction and protect the environment,

The state Commissioner for Environment, Mr. Bolaji Oyeleye, made this known during an inspection tour of some table water industries in the state.

The Commissioner, who was represented by the Head of Water Regulatory unit in the Ministry, Mrs. Mary Adeosun said it was imperative to monitor water production facilities at all table water factories to ensure that extracted water from the ground for commercial purposes was clean and safe for human consumption

He said: “It was no longer business as usual for people or industries to embark on drilling of boreholes without obtaining permit.

“Consumption of unregulated ground water can cause serious health challenges that can be transmitted to people in our environment. This is why industries are called on to get permission before drilling groundwater for commercial usage.”

He advised industries that have existing boreholes without license to obtain one from the Ministry, as those who failed to comply would be sanctioned.

The Commissioner said the government would not relent at caring for the well-being of the people in the state by regulating water production at all levels that would be free from diseases.

Some of the operators commended the decision of the government to regularise extraction of ground water, describing it as a welcome development, adding that it would checkmate illegal drilling activities which could cause environmental degradation. (Channels TV)