Posted by Following the contamination of the Osun River caused by the operations of miners in Osun State, the state administration has begun measures to clean up the river.
It also cautioned miners to remediate dirty water used for mining before discharging it into tributaries that lead into the Osun River.
Speaking at the start of the reclamation exercise in Idominasi, the Special Adviser to Governor Ademola Adeleke on Solid Minerals and Environment, Professor Lukmon Jimoda, said miners’ activities have a negative impact on some tributaries that run into the Osun River, prompting the government to clean the water and make it safe for tourists.
According to a statement acquired by Vanguard on Sunday from the Ministry of Information bulletin, the Jimoda, who was represented by the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Environment, Oladele Olawuni, directed miners to meet at various sites to always cover dug sites.
“The various activities of miners in the state have put pressure on Osun river tributaries, polluting the river, which is a serious tourist attraction for different tourists worldwide.” This necessitated the state government’s choice to clean it up.
“We have also made it a point of duty to educate miners on the importance of treating water used for their activities before releasing it into tributaries, as well as covering dug sites before moving out of those areas for people’s safety.”
“Any miners who fail to comply with existing mining rules will be fined, sanctioned, and, if possible, their contract will be terminated,” he stated.
Biola Oni, Director of Environmental Health at the Ministry, also commended the contractor for already going to the site and starting work, saying the state government was aware of the danger the pollution posed to communities, thus the decision to restore the Osun River to its original state.