AWKA — Residents of Umundimishi Quarters, Umuoru Village in Uga, Aguata Local Government Area of Anambra State, have appealed to the state government to urgently intervene in the environmental challenges allegedly associated with sand mining activities in the community.

The residents said continued sand excavation in the area was worsening gully erosion and posing a threat to homes, roads and other infrastructure.

They also expressed concern over the movement of heavy-duty trucks to and from the mining sites, saying the activity was affecting some roads in the community.

The concerns came amid the state government’s efforts to regulate activities contributing to environmental degradation in parts of Anambra.

The state government, through the Ministry of Environment, has taken measures to regulate sand excavation in some areas, including parts of Aguata, Orumba North and Orumba South Local Government Areas, while monitoring activities through relevant government agencies.

Speaking during a visit to the affected area, Chairman of Umundimishi Village, Uga, Nze Jude Ibeabuchukwu Ugochukwu, said the community had been experiencing gully erosion for several years.

He said the community had several erosion sites and that residents, alongside successive administrations, had made efforts to address the problem.

“We have been victims of gully erosion. Since I was born, I grew up to see gully erosion in my town.

“We have several gully erosion sites in my area. We have been witnessing gully erosion for many years, but successive governments and the villagers have been working on the gullies,” he said.

Ugochukwu, however, said the situation required renewed government attention, particularly as sand excavation had expanded to areas close to residential communities.

He said residents were concerned about the impact of the activities on homes and the surrounding environment.

The community leader also appealed to the state government to ascertain the status of mining activities in the area and ensure that all operators comply with relevant environmental regulations.

He said the use of excavators and heavy-duty vehicles had increased the scale of sand excavation and called for proper monitoring of the activities.

Ugochukwu further urged the authorities to assess the condition of roads leading to the mining sites, saying the frequent movement of heavy trucks could affect the infrastructure.

He also called for greater attention to the involvement of youths in sand mining, urging the government and community leaders to provide opportunities that would encourage young people to acquire vocational skills and engage in sustainable businesses.

On the reported deaths associated with mining activities, the community leader said residents had witnessed fatalities at some mining locations over the years.

He attributed some of the incidents to accidents at excavation sites and called for stronger safety measures and proper regulation of mining operations.

The residents also appealed for improved security around the mining areas and urged relevant authorities to investigate reported incidents at the sites.

They called on the state government to conduct a comprehensive assessment of the affected areas, determine the extent of environmental degradation and take measures to protect lives, homes and public infrastructure.

The community further appealed to the government to engage all stakeholders involved in sand excavation and ensure that mining activities in the area are carried out in accordance with environmental and safety regulations.

The residents said they were ready to guide government officials to the affected locations to enable them to assess the situation and determine appropriate measures to address the challenges.