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The Rivers State Government has shut down three dredging sites in Chokocho community in the Etche Local Government Area of the state operating without getting permits.
The Commissioner for Environment, Sydney Gbara, made this known after an inspection of the sites in Port Harcourt.
Gbara stated: “We are here on the directives of Governor Siminalayi Fubara on inspection of dredging activities and necessary enforcement around this area. We have gone round and some sites have been shut, about three for non-compliance to standards.
“This particular site is already threatening the federal road and as a responsible government, we will not want to stop the means of livelihood of our people. No, we are encouraging them.
“But when what they are doing becomes inimical to the environment, it becomes a problem and we have to step in. That is why we are shutting down these sites. This place is going to remain shut until the governor directs otherwise.”
The Commissioner said the Fubara-led administration remained committed to protecting the environment and attracting more investors to the state to create more jobs for the youth.
He added: “We will investigate and know those behind these activities and bring them to book. That is the truth. We will visit other dredging sites in the state, scrap metals and other operations.
“If your operation complies with the standards of the state government, we don’t have business with you. Instead, the government will encourage you and give you the protection that you need to go ahead.
“But as long as it is not in compliance with the standards of the Ministry of Environment and it is inimical to the environment, we are going to step in. Every sector has rules and regulations."
