By Grace Samuel
The escalating mining operations in Umuelemai community, situated in Isiala Mbano Local Council of Imo State, have triggered concerns among residents, prompting them to raise an alarm regarding the imminent threats to their roads and farmlands.
Expressing their anxieties, the residents have urgently appealed to the state government to intervene and halt further excavation in the area. They fear that if left unchecked, the intensified mining activities could lead to severe consequences, potentially wiping out the entire community during the upcoming rainy season. In light of this, they earnestly seek assistance from the state government and well-meaning Nigerians.
Kelechi Mbachu, the President General of Umuelemai community, voiced his discontent over the destructive impact of the mining. He pointed out that the old Hill Top primary school premises had already caved in, and the federal road from Okigwe to Umuahia is now under threat.
Despite the local government chairman’s prior suspension of mining activities in the area due to environmental hazards, reports indicate that the landowners sold the land to the current miners, who allegedly obtained a valid license to continue their operations.
Mbachu recounted the community’s initial acceptance, believing the mining area was sufficiently distant from the federal road. However, within a month, the primary school building collapsed, prompting alarm throughout the community. Efforts to engage the miners and showcase the damages were rebuffed, aggravating the concerns.
The community reported the matter to the Federal Ministry of Mines, and an official from the ministry visited the site, expressing shock and apprehension. The official warned the miners to cease operations immediately, citing the looming gully disaster in Isiala Mbano if mining persisted.
Despite the warning, mining activities resumed unabated, with approximately 300 trips of sand being extracted daily from the community. The urgency of the situation necessitates immediate intervention to prevent further environmental degradation and safeguard the community’s infrastructure.