Illegal sand mining threatens Rivers communities with erosion, NGO warns

Mr John Chibunna, founder, Go Green Nigeria Foundation, an NGO, has called for more stringent government efforts towards prohibition of illegal sand mining in Rivers, following erosion threats.

He made the call on Monday in Umuechem, Etche Local Government Area of Rivers to commemorate the International Day for the Conservation of Mangrove Ecosystems.

Chibunna, who sensitised the community on dangers associated with crude sand mining, donated some trees as part of efforts to promote tree planting and revitalisation of the altered mangrove ecosystem.

During an interactive session with the community, the environmental expert identified various concerns and commended residents for their willingness to work together to end the excavation.

He, however, dismissed the notion that illegal sand mining was due to poverty and unemployment, saying, ”the businesses is a capital intensive venture that could only be operated by a rich cartel.”

He said that though the business might have provided menial jobs for few youths, it had not in any manner addressed poverty.

“Affected communities have continued to lose arable lands, exposing themselves to impending erosion and possible landslide.

“Livelihoods would have been better protected if the people were farming on these ancestral lands Which had unfortunately been sold out by few high high-handed induviduals.

“Presently, the landscape is altered with an artificial river encroaching a major access road and threatening public safety,” he said.

Also speaking, a senior Chief in the community, Chief Gilbert Otamiri commended NGO for the initiative and promised to collaborate with them.

Gilbert, however, urged the government to tackle unemployment which, he said, was a major promoter of the illegal excavation.

Also speaking, Mr Agbam Mgbechi, the Community Development Chairman (CDC) thanked the group for the sensitisation and donation of trees.

He called on the government and concerned induviduals to emulate the group by making efforts towards salvaging the area from further environmental damage.

(NAN)