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From Jude Chinedu, Enugu
Geo-Inn Services Limited, a hydrogeology and mining consultancy firm, has announced a free groundwater exploration scheme for more than 120 communities in Enugu North senatorial district.
Managing Director, Dr Innocent Ezeugwu, said the initiative would help address water shortages in Udenu, Nsukka, Igbo-Eze South, Igbo-Eze North, Uzo-Uwani and Igbo-Etiti local government areas.
Speaking to journalists yesterday, he said the company would identify suitable borehole sites and provide reports to community leaders, who could engage drillers of their choice.
“Our intervention is complementary to government and community efforts,” he said.
Ezeugwu, a consultant environmental hydrogeologist, said his experience of water scarcity while growing up inspired the initiative.
“I remember my days at Saint John’s Seminary, Nsukka, when we faced a lot of water challenges. We used to drink rainwater collected from zinc roofs. After my one-year apostolic work at Iheaka, I decided to study geology at the university. I have always had a passion to serve my people, especially when it concerns water,” he said.
He said encounters with failed boreholes during his geology studies encouraged him to pursue a doctorate specialising in groundwater.
Describing the scheme as a corporate social responsibility project, Ezeugwu said reliable exploration would help communities avoid losses associated with poorly sited boreholes.
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“Our priority is to explore, so as to minimise the challenges associated with unprofessional borehole development,” he said.
The company, he added, planned to identify at least two locations with high groundwater potential in each community annually, subject to available resources.
“We may not have the capacity to carry out this project across all the communities at once, but we shall do as much as our resources can carry us,” he said.
Ezeugwu said the company would work with traditional rulers, presidents-general, churches and other stakeholders, using its digital ADMT exploration system.
He expressed optimism about groundwater availability because of the Ajali Sandstone formation in the area, although he said some parts of Uzo-Uwani required deeper drilling.
The exploration reports, he added, would guide borehole projects supported by philanthropists, council chairmen and the state government.
He appealed for logistical and security support from community leaders, saying the initial three-week exercise would begin on Thursday, November 5, at the company’s head office in Nsukka.
Interested communities, he said, should register through their traditional rulers or presidents-general.
