Imo Community Raises Alarm Over Alleged Environmental Damage From Otammiri River Dredging

Residents of Iriamogu Village in Dindi-Ihiagwa Autonomous Community, Owerri West Local Government Area of Imo State, have raised concerns over the alleged environmental impact of ongoing dredging activities along the Otammiri River waterfront.

The residents are calling on the Imo State Government and relevant authorities to urgently intervene, warning that continued dredging could worsen the damage to the community and its surrounding environment.

They alleged that the situation has gone beyond a disagreement over dredging, claiming that the activities have contributed to land loss, road degradation, destruction of farmlands and damage to properties in the area.

The community’s President-General, Joseph Oforegbu, raised the concerns during a fact-finding visit to Iriamogu by journalists and members of a civil society organisation. He said residents were increasingly worried about the alleged environmental damage and the possibility of growing tension among youths demanding government action.

Oforegbu appealed to Governor Hope Uzodinma and relevant agencies to intervene before the situation escalates. He said community leaders were concerned about their ability to manage the growing frustration if residents continued to perceive the dredging activities as a threat to their livelihoods and environment.

The Deputy President-General of Iriamogu Village, Chukwunonyerem Mbawuike, said the community had made several attempts to engage the dredging operators but claimed that the discussions had failed to produce a lasting solution. He said residents were considering taking their concerns to the Government House in Owerri and other relevant government institutions.

Mbawuike also called for an independent assessment of the affected area, including an examination of the environmental requirements for the dredging operation and the company’s operating licence. He said authorities should determine whether the approved scope of the licence covers the location where the activities are being carried out.

The village youth leader, Ugochukwu Aharamwa, said alleged damage to roads, farmlands and properties had increased anxiety among residents. He expressed particular concern about erosion and the stability of the riverbank, especially with national electricity infrastructure reportedly located within the wider area.

The community is therefore seeking urgent government intervention and an independent assessment of the dredging operation, saying the safety of residents, infrastructure and the surrounding environment should be prioritised before the alleged environmental problems become more difficult to contain.