REPORTER: UCHE NDEKE
The Anambra State Government has restated its commitment to protecting the environment and enforcing strict compliance with mining and land use regulations across the state.
This followed the illegal mining activities along the Trans Nkisi and Trans Ekesi corridor in Onitsha axis has continued to generate fresh environmental concerns, prompting the government to launch an investigation into the operations.
The Commissioner for Environment, Dr Clem Aguiyi, who raised the alarm during an inspection of the mining site described the level of environmental degradation as disturbing.
According to him, the present government of Professor Chukwuma Soludo would determine whether the mining activities were approved by the appropriate authorities and whether the operators complied with environmental laws and land reclamation requirements.
The Commissioner noted that preliminary findings indicate that the excavation is taking place on private land under the supervision of an individual , a claim by the operators which is now under investigation.
Dr Aguiyi also expressed concern over a structure allegedly erected within a natural water channel, warning that the diversion of water flow could worsen flooding, erosion and other ecological disasters.
He noted that large portions of land have already become unstable due to extensive excavation, while more than 60 persons were seen carrying out stone mining at the site.
The Commissioner assured residents that the Ministry of Environment would thoroughly investigate the activities and take appropriate action against anyone found to have violated environmental laws.
A resident of Trans Nkisi, Chief Onyebuchi Ndulue, appealed to the Anambra State Government to urgently intervene insisting that the community lacks the capacity to tackle the environmental damage caused by the mining activities.
Chief Ndulue said previous excavations in the area had resulted in severe erosion that eventually required government intervention, warning that similar environmental disasters could occur again if the current operations continue unchecked.
He also alleged that illegal mining has spread across several locations along the Trans Nkisi river corridor, including the Nnakwense River axis, posing increasing threats to lives, property and public infrastructure.
Correspondent Uche Ndeke repets that the inspection visit by the Commissioner followed growing complaints from residents of the Trans Nkisi community, who say the continued excavation has left the area vulnerable to devastating gully erosion.
