NIWA Warns Unregulated Sand Dredging Fuels Flooding, Erosion
The National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA) has raised concerns over the growing impact of unregulated sand dredging on flooding and erosion across parts of the country.
The authority warned that indiscriminate dredging could weaken riverbanks, alter natural waterways and increase the vulnerability of communities located along riverine areas.
The Area Manager of NIWA, Farooq Imam, issued the warning during a sensitisation exercise organised by the authority for sand dredgers and residents of Tamburawa communities in Kano State.
Sand dredging remains an important source of livelihood for many residents of the communities, with several people relying on the activity for their daily income. However, NIWA expressed concern over the failure of some operators to comply with established safety and environmental regulations.
Imam stressed that uncontrolled dredging could undermine the stability of riverbanks, thereby worsening erosion and increasing the risk of flooding in surrounding communities.
He urged dredgers to strictly comply with regulations governing their activities, noting that adherence to safety and environmental standards was essential to protecting the lives of operators, residents and other users of the waterways.
He also called on those working along the waterways to adopt safer practices and ensure that their activities did not cause avoidable damage to the environment.
As part of efforts to reduce accidents and improve safety in riverine communities, NIWA distributed life jackets to residents and people engaged in activities on the waterways.
The beneficiaries were advised to make proper use of the safety equipment, particularly when operating or working around the waterways.
The Chairman of the Sand Dredgers Association of Kano State, Mustafa Ahmad, appealed to the government and relevant agencies to provide more support for operators in the sector.
Ahmad said stronger collaboration between the government and dredging operators would help address challenges confronting the industry while encouraging compliance with safety requirements.
NIWA said sustained engagement with dredging communities and operators was necessary to promote responsible dredging, protect lives and preserve the environment.
The authority reiterated that sand dredging must be carried out in accordance with established safety and environmental regulations to minimise its contribution to flooding, erosion and other hazards affecting riverine communities.
