Imo State Government
has cautioned miners and dredgers operating in the state to stop with immediate
effect all forms of irregularities that have jeopardized the environment
The message of the
state government was communicated through the state task force committee
chairman on Mining and Dredging, Hon Kenneth Emelu at the Ikemba Ojukwu Centre,
Owerri.
He warned dredgers to
stop dredging where they don’t have authorization to dredge, particularly in
areas that have become a serious threat to lives and property.
The task force who
lamented bitterly how activities of dredgers have posed a threat to some
buildings in Amakohia and Egbeada, stated that government is out to clamp down
on miners whose activities have jeopardized buildings and the lives of its
inhabitants.
Speaking on the need
for miners and dredgers to pay tax, the state taskforce chairman explained that
it will help to improve the Internally Generated Revenue of the State and
appealed to them to reason with the state government as their support and
maximum cooperation is highly needed.
Honourable Emelu
recalled that the state government was not interested in the generating revenue
through the activities of the dredgers but the current economic downturn
propelled it to look inwards for improved revenue.
Emelu who was the
immediate past Honourable Commissioner for Youths and Sports in Imo State
reminded dredgers and miners operating in the state that section 4 sub-section
1 and 2 of Imo State Law 2012 stated clearly that state
government is entitled to N1000 on each trip of sand.
From reports in the
public domain, since the law was enacted in 2012 it has not been implemented
but the dwindling economy has forced the state government to move for its
implementation.
The task force
committee chairman who noted that the Federal Government gives certificate of
operation to dredgers and miners also seized the opportunity to educate them
about certain sections of Imo State levy law 2012 and urge them to cooperate
with the state government for improved IGR.
Miners operating in
Imo State have carried out their business for over three years without paying
tax.
Emelu who noted` that
the governor had been magnanimous enough since 2012 passionately appealed to
dredgers and miners to show understanding, maximum cooperation and pay their
tax as at when due, adding that it is now their turn to reciprocate Governor
Okorocha`s kind gesture.
Contributing at the
meeting, the Managing Director of Buckingham Dredging Ltd. Obinze, Mr Chuks
Osuji, who also doubles as the Secretary of the organization in the state
promised that they will work in harmony with the Emelu-led Task force Committee
on Mining and Dredging in the state.
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