Lagos govt issues Stop-Work order on dredging company over alleged fish mortality at Epe
Ayodele Olalere
Lagos State government through the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources, Office of Mineral Resources has issued a Stop-Work order on a dredging company following a viral video on the Internet on the massive loss of revenue by fish farmers as many of their Tilapia fishes allegedly died as a result of dredging activities being carried out close to the fish farm.
In a statement signed by Adetola Idowu, Deputy Director, Public Affairs Unit, Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources, it stated that the Special Adviser to Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu on Mineral Resources, Engr. Abiola Olowu gave the directive through the solid mineral team of the Office of Mineral Resources, led by Geologist Emilio Cardoso, Director, Solid Mineral Department, when the team visited the site to ascertain the veracity of these claims.
According to the statement , the Stop-Work order was pending outcome of investigations and has asked parties to remain calm whilst proper investigation is carried out to ascertain the veracity of the claim and real cause of the death of the fishes.
The statement noted that it was quite unfortunate that the reported incident of death of the fishes was true but gave assurance that proper investigation and laboratory testing would be conducted..
“‘We are not going to be biased in our findings as we are empowered to ensure all Lagosians and their businesses are protected under the confines of the law. Test samples of water, fishes, and other necessary materials have been collected for testing, and we shall do all within our ambit to find out the real cause of the death of the fishes,” the statement stated.
He further explained that other relevant federal and state government agencies have been communicated for necessary actions.
” The outcome of the result shall be made public and necessary action taken if the alleged operation caused the death of the fishes. We also acknowledge that there is an issue of water hyacinth that covers the place where the fishing operations take place.”
