Govt issues cease-order on mining at Isseneru

Last Updated on Sunday, 15 November 2015, 1:06 by GxMedia

Minister of Governance, Raphael Trotman.

Amidst concerns and complaints from the Toshao and representatives of the village of Isseneru, Region Eight, government has  directed that mining works be ceased immediately by the operator of a water dredge in the area.

The Ministry of the Presidency sauys Minister of Governance, with responsibility for Natural Resources and the Environment, Raphael Trotman issued the the order pending a fact-finding mission to be conducted by the Ministry in the area on Wednesday November 18, 2015.

“The Department of Natural Resources and the Environment will be fielding a team of relevant authorities and stakeholders to assess the water quality and other issues and concerns related to pollution and adherence to boundary laws.  This will allow for a final decision to be taken in this matter,” said the Ministry of the Presidency.

Village leaders of of Isseneru have publicly raised a number of concerns on the health and wellbeing of residents, especially the children, since a number of mining concessions are being operated in close proximity to their village.

The Government has undertaken the task of addressing the issue of land management and the distribution of lands for varying sectors in a holistic manner with the intention of creating a National Land Use Policy to avoid these occurrences.