Ukwu-Nzu community in Aniocha North Local Government Area of Delta State faces an imminent threat of cholera outbreak following the pollution of two rivers in the area, reportedly due to coal mining activities.
According to a report on Nigerian Tribune disturbing changes in the Odo and Ojokpa rivers, which have turned murky, while the surrounding vegetation has undergone an alarming discoloration. Observers attribute these changes to mining operations in neighboring Ugboba community.
Mosra Energy Limited, the mining company allegedly responsible, refuted claims linking the river’s discoloration to its activities.
They assert that the Nigerian Erosion and Watershed Management Project erosion control initiatives in the community years earlier are the underlying cause.
Expressing deep concern over the situation, community leader Mr. Kaikenechukwu Okolie voiced the ongoing hardships faced by residents, stating, “We have been facing this challenge for over two months, yet nothing has been done about it. We have been making efforts to reach out to the government to help us.
“We reached out to the Commissioner for Environment and the chairman of Aniocha North Local Government Area of the state.
“We also reached out to the coal mining company, Mosra Energy and they visited the rivers but till now, we have not heard from them for over two months.
“Nobody is against coal mining in our neighbouring community. We are only concerned about pollution in our rivers. As I speak to you now, our people cannot use the water to process cassava because of the pollution.
“Our people are afraid of using the water because there may be an outbreak of epidemics. So, we are begging government to come to our aid before people begin to die.
“The river cannot habit aquatic activity now, not alone for drinking. We are calling on Governor Sheriff Oborevweri as a matter of urgency to address the situation.”
Commissioner for Environment Mr. Jamani Ejiro confirmed the water pollution, assuring swift action to address the issue. He emphasized the government’s unwavering commitment to safeguarding public health and environmental integrity.
“I got the information about the activities of the coal mining last year and I wanted to visit the site before the climate change issue.
“We will visit the site next week to get first hand information because the MORE agenda of Governor Oborevweri is to protect the people, so we will not want somebody to destroy our environment or waterways.
“We will soon go into action now we are reliably informed that there is water pollution in the community to save life,” the commissioner said.
Resource Manager of Mosra Energy Limited, Mr. Amed Ali, clarified that their mining processes do not produce waste that could cause river discoloration.
He attributed the phenomenon to NEWMAP erosion control measures, which inadvertently led to the drainage of laterite into the river during the rainy season.
