Councillors in Ughelli North Local Government Area of Delta State in response to public outcry, have vowed to tackle illegal sand dredging and the skyrocketing price of sand in the council area.
The councillors have therefore, tasked leaders of the Sand and Dredgers Association and the Union of Tippers and Quarry Employers in the local government to provide clarity in respect of their dredging operations and a downward review of their pricing policies.
They further pegged the cost of a tipper-load of sand at N45, 000 until further notice, to reduce the economic challenges faced by residents of the local government.
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Also, the councillors requested the leaders of the two unions to direct their members to furnish them with their environmental Impact Assessment reports, receipts of revenue payments made to the state or local governments in the past 10 years and an inventory of all tippers operating within the local government.
These resolutions were reached during an investigative hearing attended by stakeholders in the sand dredging and the sale of sand in the local government.
Key stakeholders present at the meeting include Prince Andrew Odibo, chairman of the Dredger Union (Branch A), Mr. Oyibode, representing Branch B and Mr. Peace Ubini, chairman of the Quarry/Tipper Union.
The councillors said they remain committed to finding lasting solutions to illegal dredging and the rising cost of sand, which they argued have significant implications for the local economy and the environment.
