By Obiabin Onukwugha
The Rivers State Government has shut down three illegal dredging sites in Chokocho community, Etche local government area of the state for operating without permit.
The state government pointed out that the activities of the dredgers constituted environmental threat as the dredging sites had no environmental protection impact assessment.
The state Commissioner for Environment, Sydney Gbara, shut the sites while speaking to newsmen after an inspection of some dredging sites in Port Harcourt, the state capital, and its environs at the weekend.
He said; “We are here on the directives of Governor Siminalayi Fubara on inspection of dredging activities and necessary enforcement around this area. We have gone round, and some sites have been shut, about three for non-compliance to standards.
Related Posts
“This particular site as you can see is already threatening the federal road and as a responsible government, we will not want to stop the means of livelihood of our people.
“We are not stopping them but when what they are doing becomes inimical to the environment, it becomes a problem and we have to step in. And that is why we are shutting down these sites.
The commissioner emphasised the resolve of the present administration in the state to protecting the environment and attracting more investors so as to create jobs. He pointed out that those involved in the illegal business will be prosecuted.
He added “If your operation is in compliance with that of the state government, we don’t have business with you. Instead, the government will encourage you and give you the protection that you need to go ahead with your business.
“But as long as it is not in compliance with the State Ministry of Environment, and it is inimical to the environment we are definitely going to step in. Every sector has rules and regulations.
“This is a government that wants to to ensure that our people and the environment are protected.”
