Environmental Damage: Imo community urges Uzodinma to end illegal dredging in Iriamogu

The residents of Iriamogu Village in Imo State have pleaded with Governor Hope Uzodinma to halt the illegal dredging activities along the Otammiri River waterfront. These activities, according to the community, are causing severe environmental damage, threatening lives, and causing damage to farmlands and infrastructure. Mr Joseph Oforegbu, the President-General of the Iriamogu Development Union, expressed deep concern over the environmental degradation, stating that it is intolerable.

He warned that if the dredging continues unabated, the community may resort to protests. The community has accused Marine Dredging Company of being responsible for the environmental damage, alleging that their lands, roads, and farmlands have suffered. Despite efforts to engage the company and the state government over the issue, no positive response has been forthcoming.

The community leaders have appealed to the state government, through its Ministry of Industry, Mines and Solid Minerals, to intervene and prevent potential confrontations between the community and the dredging company.