January 31, 2022
The Southern Regional office of the Environment Protection Agency has carried out an operation on environmental infraction along the Sewa River in Jembe, Baoma Chiefdom Bo District. The team headed by the Acting Regional Manager Joseph Gbassa discovered two dredge machines downstream the Sewa River and both were destroyed by the team.
Illegal mining has become a major environmental challenge causing serious pollution of water bodies amid the use of mercury, a substance banned under an international environmental convention, the Montreal Protocol, for its potential to decimate human population. The use of hydrocarbon mostly fuel and used oil is rife with attendant ramification for marine species and livelihood for local communities.
Based on a tip-off from the proactive Executive Chairman of the Agency Dr. Bondi Gevao, the regional team in collaboration with the Sierra Leone Police successfully burnt down two dredge machines planted on the river for illegal mining activity.
As the institution responsible for the effective management and protection of the environment of Sierra Leone, the Agency is determined to destroy all dredge machines planted on water bodies in various areas throughout the country.
This is done in order to restore sanity to the marine ecosystem for the benefit of local communities who depend on the rivers for drinking, fishing and other domestic purposes.
It’s has to be noted that Environment Protection Agency is not against mining but only recognizes and promote responsible and sustainable mining.
The Agency will not encourage haphazard and unsustainable mining practices with no consideration for the environment and health of local people.
It should also be noted that the Agency doesn’t give permit for the use of dredges on the waters of Sierra Leone. Anyone/group engaged in dredge operation on water bodies is engaged in an illegal mining activity.
The Agency is therefore calling on the general public to provide information on any environmental infraction anywhere in Sierra Leone for prompt action. The Agency will continue to work with all stakeholders to ensure that the environment is protected for the current and future generations.