By Uzor Odigbo
The Lagos State Government has again lamented the infiltration of illegal sand dredging companies in different parts of the State, declaring that it will commence a clampdown exercise on all illegal dredging sites.
Announcing a zero-tolerance policy on illegal dredging activities across the State in his office at Alausa, Ikeja, the Commissioner for Energy and Mineral Resources, Engr. Olalere Odusote insisted that all dredging companies within Lagos State must have approval from the Federal Ministry of Mines & Steel Development before operating in Lagos.
He added that an Environmental Impact Assessment Report (EIA), Sand Search Report, Bathymetric Survey & Hydrographic report, Survey Plan and Proof of Ownership/Sub Lease on the land being dredged, among others, are requirements for granting permission to any dredging company in Lagos.
The Commissioner maintained that dredging companies found operating without any of the above-listed documents or selling wet sand would face prosecution.
“The sale of wet sand is totally banned in Lagos State; any dredging company selling wet sand shall be prosecuted. Apart from this, the transportation of wet sand is also not allowed. Any truck carrying wet sand shall be seized and auctioned by the Ministry,” he said.
He also disclosed that trucks carrying sand and parked on the express roads within Lagos State will no longer be tolerated, saying that such vehicles would be towed away and auctioned by the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources.
Speaking on Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR), Engr. Odusote stated that all dredging companies within Lagos State, would henceforth, be requested to submit yearly proof of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) projects embarked upon within the community where they operate.
While stressing that all roads leading to dredging sites shall be maintained by the dredging companies in that specific location, Odusote averred that penalties shall be imposed on dredging companies for non-compliance with Health, Safety and Environment standards (HSE)