Mr John Chibunna, founder of the Go Green Nigeria Foundation, an NGO, has called for more stringent government efforts to prohibit illegal sand mining in Rivers State, following erosion threats.
He made the call on Monday in Umuechem, Etche Local Government Area of Rivers State, to commemorate the International Day for the Conservation of Mangrove Ecosystems.
Chibunna, who sensitised the community on the dangers associated with crude sand mining, donated some trees as part of efforts to promote tree planting and the revitalisation of the altered mangrove ecosystem.
During an interactive session with the community, the environmental expert identified various concerns and commended residents for their willingness to work together to end the excavation.
He, however, dismissed the notion that illegal sand mining was due to poverty and unemployment, saying, “The business is a capital-intensive venture that could only be operated by a rich cartel.”
He said that although the business might have provided menial jobs for a few youths, it had not in any way addressed poverty.
“Affected communities have continued to lose arable lands, exposing themselves to impending erosion and possible landslides.
“Livelihoods would have been better protected if the people were farming on these ancestral lands, which had unfortunately been sold out by a few high-handed individuals.
“Presently, the landscape is altered, with an artificial river encroaching on a major access road and threatening public safety,” he said.
Also speaking, a senior chief in the community, Gilbert Otamiri, commended the NGO for the initiative and promised to collaborate with them.
Gilbert, however, urged the government to tackle unemployment, which he said was a major promoter of the illegal excavation.
Also speaking, Mr Agbam Mgbechi, the Community Development Chairman (CDC), thanked the group for the sensitisation and donation of trees.
He called on the government and concerned individuals to emulate the group by making efforts to salvage the area from further environmental damage.
