By: Aruna Kamara
The Environment Protection Agency (EPA) in collaboration with the Sierra Leone Police has launched a major operation to clean our waters of illegal mining activities. The operation has started in Simbaru and Wandor Chiefdoms, Kenema District and will continue throughout the country to ensure that the rivers are restored back to their natural status.
According to the Information Education and Communication officer of Environment Protection Agency, Fomber Sheriff, said illegal mining activities remains a major problem causing serious environmental pollution with serious implications for the health and livelihood of local communities.
He said that ‘as responsible institution, the Agency has in the past taken several steps to reduce the problem through education and enforcing compliance that has seen the destruction of dredges and the arrest and prosecution of those engaged in illegal activities”, adding that unfortunately, the problem has persisted with the illegal operations continuing in extreme locations.
Mr. Sheriff noted that “the Agency has now taken the fight to protect our waters to the next level by introducing technology through the use of Jetski and drone.”
He went on to say that the action oriented Executive Chairman Dr. Bondi Gevao is very determined to free all rivers from dredging in a bid to restore ecosystem and enhance environmental governance in the country.
He said that the operation was carried out in Gandema and Gawama communities in Wandor and Simbaru chiefdoms both in Kenema district.
He pointed out that the use of the Jetski and drone is proving to be very effective as successful patrol was done along the Sewa River where 11 dredges were identified actively involved in mining activities without Environmental Impact Assessment License which violated section 24 of the Environment Protection Agency Act 2022. All the 11 dredges identified were destroyed by the joint team of EPA and SLP officials.
Mr. Sheriff maintained that It is important to note that the EPA doesn’t award license for the dredging of rivers because of the ecological importance of rivers and the potential environmental and health impacts it may cause.
He pointed out that “this operation is also in line with the presidential directives in 2021 that urged relevant institutions to take measures to stop dredging activities along our rivers.”
He however said that the successful operation carried out has sent a loud message that EPA is well positioned maintain the integrity of our environment, noting that the operation will continue throughout the country as the Agency seek to protect the health of Sierra Leoneans whilst confronting the challenges posed by climate change by reducing negative human actions on our environment. “
The Agency he said is therefore calling on all stakeholders to join the fight against environmental degradation so as to ensure the health and safety of all Sierra Leoneans especially those living along the rivers.
Speaking to A-Z Newspaper in Kenema and Bo, some civil society Activist on the protection of the environment landed EPA for the steps taken to protect the environment and called on them not to give up in the protection of the environment.
” When you failed to protect the environment the environment will not protect you”, Brima Juldeh, a civil society Activist said.
