Dredging threatens Imo community, power infrastructure, residents cry out
•Villagers allege erosion, destruction of farms, roads •Demand probe, licence review
Fear of losing more land and critical electricity infrastructure has gripped residents of Iriamogu Village in Dindi-Ihiagwa Autonomous Community, Owerri West Local Government Area of Imo State, following alleged environmental damage linked to ongoing dredging along Otammiri River waterfront.
The residents claimed that what began as dredging has gradually become a source of concern, with alleged erosion, loss of land, deterioration of access roads, destruction of farmlands and damage to properties becoming increasingly evident around the riverbank.
But beyond the immediate environmental concerns, the community said it was particularly worried about the reported proximity of the advancing erosion and unstable riverbank to electricity infrastructure serving the area.
Community leaders warned that unless the authorities intervened promptly, the situation could worsen, potentially putting more land, property and public infrastructure at risk.
The alarm was raised during a fact-finding visit to Iriamogu on August 22 by some reporters and members of a civil society organisation.
The team inspected locations identified by residents as being affected by the dredging and spoke with community leaders, youths and other residents about the alleged impact of the operation.
At some locations, residents pointed to areas where they claimed the riverbank had receded, expressing fears that continued disturbance of the waterfront could accelerate erosion and further destabilise the surrounding terrain.
The President-General of Iriamogu Development Union, Mr. Joseph Oforegbu, said the community was becoming increasingly anxious over what he described as the environmental consequences of the dredging operations.
According to him, the concern was no longer limited to the physical environment, as growing frustration among youths could also create tension if the matter was not urgently addressed.
The Deputy President-General of Iriamogu Village, Mr. Chukwunonyerem Mbawuike, said the community had made several attempts to engage the operators over the alleged environmental impact of the dredging.
He claimed that the engagements had not produced the desired result, prompting the community to consider taking its concerns directly to the Government House in Owerri and other relevant government institutions.
Mbawuike called for an independent assessment of the affected areas, particularly the riverbank and surrounding infrastructure.
He also demanded a review of the environmental requirements governing the dredging operation and the company’s operating licence to establish whether the approved scope covers the area where the activities are being carried out.
“We are not against legitimate business or development, but the activities must be carried out in a manner that does not destroy the environment or put the lives and property of residents at risk,” he said.
He alleged that previous attempts by government authorities and community members to restrict access to the dredging site had failed to permanently halt the activities.
According to him, the Imo State ministry responsible for mining had previously intervened by restricting access to a site, but the measures did not provide a lasting solution. The Iriamogu Village Youth Leader, Mr. Ugochukwu Aharamwa, stated that the alleged destruction of roads, farmlands, and properties had increased anxiety among residents. He also expressed concern that continued erosion could destabilize the riverbank and endanger nearby infrastructure.
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