Osun Frowns At Improper Excavation By Miners

Osun State government has warned miners in the state to desist from improper excavation of mining sites and ensure that they treat water coming from the excavation sites before it is being released into the Osun River.

The Permanent Secretary Ministry of Environment and Sanitation, Mr. Oladele Olawuni gave the warning at one of Osun tributaries in Idominasi during the flag-off of the reclamation of the Osun River as part of activities to commemorate the year 2023 World Environment Day.

Representing the Special Adviser to Governor Adeleke on Solid Minerals and Environment, Professor Lukmon Jimoda, Olawuni stressed that the activities of the miners had made it important for the government to look into ways of how to make the water safe for use.

He stated further that the state government has observed that the activities of the miners have continued to have adverse effects on some tributaries that run into Osun River thereby making it necessary for the renewing of Osun River.

Olawuni emphasized that apart from flagging off, the team also made it a point of duty to sensitise the miners that were seen on three excavation sites visited to always cover the sites that have been digged as well as treat the water from excavation sites with necessary chemicals before being released into Osun River.

The Permanent Secretary admonished the miners to always follow the procedures for mining in order to make the communities around the excavation sites safe for living.

Director, Environmental Health, Ministry of Environment and Sanitation, Mr. Biola Oni said during the flag-off that the reclamation of the Osun River is the best way to start this year’s World Environment Day.