The State Government of Osun has begun the reclamation of the Osun river which has for years been polluted by mining activities in Ijesaland.
The reclamation process began at one of Osun river’s tributaries at Idominasi, on Monday, as part of the activities lined up to commemorate this year’s World Environment Day.
Professor Lukmon Jimoda, Special Adviser to Governor Ademola Adeleke on Solid Minerals and Environment, who flagged off the process on Monday, warned miners in the State to desist from improper excavation of mining sites.
Jimoda who was represented by the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Environment and Sanitation, Mr. Oladele Olawuni, lamented that mining activities was responsible for the pollution of Osun river.
He said the State government has observed that the activities of the miners have continued to have adverse effects on some tributaries that run into Osun River, thereby making it necessary for the reclamation of the river.
Jimoda urged the miners to always follow procedures for mining in order to make the communities around the excavation sites safe for living.
He disclosed that the government will continue to monitor the miners, saying any miner found to have gone against the rules and regulations set for them will be fined, sanctioned and if possible, get his or her contract terminated.
In his remarks, the Director, Environmental Health, Ministry of Environment and Sanitation, Mr. Biola Oni, said the reclamation of Osun River was the best way to start this year’s World Environment Day.
Oni stated that State Government, having been aware of the danger caused by the activities of the miners, is ready and keen on bringing back Osun River to its actual state.
He commended the State Government for giving the contract to the consultant who has started blocking all the tributaries being created by the miners through the use of alluvial bars thereby making it safe for the people in the State.
A consultant, Mr. Shamsudeen Alabi, said the reclamation exercise will make sure that Osun river returns back to its original state, saying its brownish colour is discouraging tourists from coming to fetch the water.
Alabi equally advised the miners to work with known best practices around the world and do it sustainably, so that the State will not only have the mining activities supporting her economy alone, but will also have the environment supporting her economy.
