Attributes Collapse To Indiscriminate Mining Activities In The Area
The state government has expressed its readiness to rehabilitate and stone-pitch the dilapidated Njaba beach in order to save-guard motorists and other road users who ply along the area.
The beach which situates at Njaba in Orlu Local Government Area, is almost collapsing, as result of poor engineering construction by previous administrations in the state, and due to indiscriminate mining of sand within the beach.
Speaking during the impact assessment visit, the State Commissioner for Petroleum And Environment, Dr Ikechukwu Njoku, expressed dismay over the activities of mining along the beach ways, adding that such actions are responsible for the beach collapse.
He noted that government is worried by the level of indiscriminate mining within the surroundings of the beach, adding that such activities are threats to human life.
The Commissioner also visited the mile 8 beach, where he also expressed the determination of the government to stop indiscriminate mining in the area in order to protect the environment.
In his speech, the Njaba beach master, Mr Peter Amazue, thanked Governor Hope Uzodinma for remembering them in his administration and decried the activities of mining in the area, which according to him, has put lives of their people in danger.
He assured the Commissioner that his team would give him the necessary support to achieve his policies on environmental protection.
Similarly, Dr Njoku also visited the Songhai farm erosion spot, opposite botanical garden of Imo State zoo, at NO.2 old Nekedi road, Owerri, and discovered that, poor mining activities going on there may lead to the collapse of the road if not checkmated and vow to quell such unhealthy acts.
He declared that previous administrations in the state paid lip service to issues of environment but noted that the present administration would do everything within its powers to protect the environment.
The Commissioner was accompanied to the visit by the Ministry’s Permanent Secretary, Mrs Sabina Onwuchi and the HOD, Ecology, Mr Chukwuma Iheanacho.
Bright Eluagu, SA on Media and Public Affairs
