By: Anita Uche-Ugbejie Chukwuma
Residents and indigenes of Ukwunzu, a rural community in Aniocha Delta state have been assured that a thorough water and effluent analysis would be conducted to ascertain the cause of the water colouration in their river.
The Commissioner for Environment, Mr Tommy Jamani, gave the assurance when he led a team for a joint investigation visit to Odo and Ojokpa river at Ukwunzu, in Aniocha North Local Government Area of Delta State
Jamani said the visit became imperative following petitions from indegenes of Ukwunzu accusing MOSRA Energy Limited a mining firm over the pollution and colouration of the river.
He noted that the NEWMAP Project Coordinator, Mr Benedict Nwaokocha, would conduct inspections to monitor the effects of mining activities on the stream, the only source of water to Ukwunzu community.
He emphasized that creeks which are in close proximity to indigenous communities around the mining area would be sampled by Delta State Environmental Protection Agency and also carry out laboratory test on the water which will be analysed in no distant time.
The Commissioner commended residents of Ukwunzu for not taking the laws into their hands, enjoining them to sustain the peaceful co-existence that has existed between them and their neighboring communities.
He stressed that water is considered polluted when some substance or conditions are present to such a degree that the water cannot be used for a specific purpose.
The commissioner and his team also paid homage to HRM the Obi of Ugbo Oba Kingdom Emmanuel Ezedimbu Nkebakwu the 111 to seek his royal blessings and thereafter proceeded to the mining site where excavation by MOSRA ENERGY LTD was ongoing.
Water pollution is the contamination of stream, river, lake, ocean or any other stretch of water, depleting water quality and making it toxic for the environment and humans.
