Rivers shuts three illegal dredging sites

The Rivers State Government has shut down three dredging sites in the Chokocho community in the Etche Local Government Area for operating without permits.

The Commissioner for Environment, Sydney Gbara, told newsmen after inspecting some dredging sites in Port Harcourt and its environs.

Gbara frowned on the activities of those who carried out such activities without the approval from the state government, saying the dredging sites had no environmental protection impact.

He added that the activities were affecting the roads.

He stated, “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.

“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. No, we are encouraging them.

“But when what they are doing becomes inimical to the environment, it becomes a problem and we have to step in. That is why we are shutting down these sites. This place is going to remain shut until the governor directs otherwise.”

The Commissioner said the Fubara-led administration remained committed to protecting the environment and attracting more investors to the state, to create more jobs for the youth.

“We will investigate and know those behind these activities and bring them to book. That is the truth. We will visit other dredging sites in the state, scrap metals and other operations.

“If your operation complies 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.

“But as long as it is not in compliance with the standards of the Ministry of Environment and it is inimical to the environment, we are going to step in. Every sector has rules and regulations.

“This is a government that wants to ensure that our people and the environment are protected,” he added.