Asiuwhu Issues Strict Caution To Sand Dredgers Association (SADAN) For Compliance

This afternoon, Wed. 1 7th of Jan. 2024, the Delta State Chairman, Taskforce on Environment, Chief Godspower Omafuvwe Asiuwhu JP, held a frank talk meeting with the executives of SAND DREDGERS ASSOCIATION, SADAN, IN THE STATE.

The meeting was at the instance of the observation of the negative impacts on humans and the environment during the course of their operation.

Chief Asiuwhu, cautioned seriously, that the government of Rt.Hon Sheriff Oborevwori will not condone any act of illegalities or deviation from the statutory requirements obtainable by law backing their operations.

Extensively, Asiuwhu, read out the basic requirements that must be adhered to, which include :

• EIA- Environmental Impact Assessment, before operation
• Audit Report after three years of operation
• Evidence of bathymetric / sand search report must be conducted before approval.
• Dredging activities MUST NOT OBSTRUCT navigating activities of/or in waterways
• Physical verification / authentication of dredgers and dredging sites
• Adherence to Approved distance of 500meters from building and road
• Adherence of approved 12 meters depth from the water surface.
• Adherence of 500meters distance between two dredgers.

Responding, the association executives who spoke in their turns, unanimously commended the taskforce Chairman for the cordial brief of what is required of them by law, and promise to brief their members.
Besides, the union executives said that most of the sand dredgers operating against the laws are not their members, and have no permit or licensed.

Finally, Chief Asiuwhu, vowed to fished out illegal miners, sand dredgers and to ensure strict compliance to all relevant environmental laws regarding their operations.