Danger looms in Ekpan community, Uvwie Local Government Area, as the popular Ekpan bridge by NNPC Housing Estate and neighbouring houses risk collapse following the activities of a private sand dredger in Ekpan River.
Troubled by this act, residents and leaders of the community, called on Governor Sheriff Oborevwori to come to their aid to prevent the looming danger.
Following series of appeal to the Delta State Government on the dangers posed by the activities of a private sand dredger at the Ekpan River, which has put the lives and properties of those living around the river at risk, Delta State Commissioner for Environment, Mr Ejiro Jamani held a meeting with the leadership, indigenes and residents of Ekpan community.
The meeting was well attended by leaders , women, men and youths of Ekpan community including her Chief priests.
Chairman of Ekpan community Development Committee, Comrade Victory Nanakporo told the Commissioner that the dredging of sand at Ekpan River has put the Ekpan bridge and houses around it in danger.
He noted that, the community did not give approval for the dredging neither is it in support of it, noting that, it posses serious danger to the community which is their ancestral home.
Chairman of Odibo Estate Agadaga Layout Ekpan, Mr Kennedy Ediale who said the Estate shares boundary with the Ekpan River, alleged that the dredging of the river has led to the collapse of some Electricity poles severally in the Estate plunging the estate into darkness each times.
He further alleged that, the dredging has put the Ekpan bridge and their houses in danger.
A resident and chairman of Board of Directors Delta Broadcasting Service, DBS, Warri Elegbete Moses Odibo stated that they are not against the development of the land but the developer should purchase sand and stop dredging the river.
They appealed to the Commissioner for Environment, Mr Ejiro Jamani to wade into the issue to prevent the imminent danger looming in the area.
Responding, Delta Commissioner for Environment, Mr Ejiro Jamani commended the leaders and residents of Ekpan community for handling the matter peacefully and logically.
He stated that Delta State Government is committed towards ensuring the protection of all Deltans and promised to look into the matter swiftly.Mr Jamani urged all to remain calm while the state government reach out to all the parties involve with a view to amicably resolving the issue.
The Commissioner appealed to the Community not to engage in form of demonstration against the dredgers to prevent it from being hijacked by hoodlums.
It would be recalled that, few days ago, Delta State Government drew the battle lines with illegal sand dredgers whose activities constitute a threat to the environment.
The Governor, Right Honourable Sheriff Oborevwori directed the State Ministry of Environment to ensure Mandatory registration of dredging sites and submission of Environmental Impact Assessment to the Ministry within One Week.
The state government placed a ban on dredging activities near Bridges and other critical infrastructure across the State, as well as in residential areas to protect the Health and Safety of the People and a special compliance monitoring team set up to ensure strict enforcement of the Governor’s directive beginning from Monday 13th January, 2025.
