Delta State Bans Dredging Activities Under Bridges, Orders Ministry To Halt Operators Without EIA

The Delta State Government is talking tough against unregulated and reckless dredging activities across the state , warning that all dredgers operating under bridges should be suspended until further notice.

Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, who gave the directive , warned operators to mandatory register all dredging sites and the submission of Environmental Impact Assessments (EIA) to the Ministry of Environment within one week of this notice

Oborevwori also ordered for immediate shutdown of illegal dredging sites operating without a valid EIA, adding that it has become a significant source of environmental degradation.

According to him, these practices endanger the lives and livelihoods of the people, the integrity of critical infrastructure, and the sustainability of the ecosystem.

In response to the challenges, Governor Oborevwori, in line with the MORE Agenda and it’s goal of prioritizing environmental sustainability, further directed the Ministry of Environment to take immediate action by implementing the ban on dredging activities in residential areas to protect the health and safety of our people.

The governor further placed a ban on the haulage of wet sand or sand transported without cover by tippers within Delta State.

The State Ministry of Environment has been directed to set up a Special Compliance Monitoring Team which will commence enforcement of these directives on Monday, 13th January 2025.