Anambra State House of Assembly Committee on Petroleum and Mineral Resources has expressed deep concern over the negative impacts of illegal mining activities in parts of Aguleri
The Committee led by its chairman Hon. Chidiebele Ibemeka, during its oversight,
decried the environmental degradation, particularly coastal erosion and severe road damage, caused by unchecked sand mining operations in the area.
The lawmakers observed that the operators at both sites have failed to fulfill their corporate social responsibility obligations to the host communities, despite the extensive exploitation of local resources.
Worried by the deteriorating environmental conditions and the lack of regulatory compliance, the lawmakers said immediate actions will be taken to safeguard the lives and properties of residents.
They revealed that the operators of the mining site will be summoned to monitor activities and curb further damage.
During the oversight, the law makers also uncovered the presence of individuals impersonating military and other security personnel at the mining sites and have reportedly been intimidating residents and creating fear within the community.
Speaking during the visit, Hon. Ibemeka,
the lawmaker representing Njikoka one Constituency, assured that the House would take decisive steps to hold the operators accountable and ensure that host communities benefit from the natural resources extracted from their land.
The Committee Chairman expressed dissatisfaction that the miners are operating without valid operational permits, and raised serious questions over the credibility of their Environmental Impact Assessments (EIAs), saying that such act is unacceptable and will take it up with the relevant regulatory agencies.
Also speaking, The Majority Leader of the House, Hon. Ikenna Ofodeme, condemned the level of lawlessness and environmental degradation being witnessed and said It is unacceptable that people are exploiting their land without giving back to the communities.
