Delta State government has confirmed the colouration of the river in Ukwu-Nzu community, in Aniocha North Local Government Area of the state, saying that sample of the water has been taken to the laboratory for test.

South-South PUNCH had reported the pollution of the river over a week ago; following the alarm raised by the community and observed that the water that used to be pure had turned brownish in colour, leaving some vegetation around the water drying up

It was alleged that the pollution of the river was as a result of coal mining activity around the river by Mosra Energy Limited.

But the coal mining company denied involvement and blamed the colouration of the river on the laterite by used by NEWMAP for erosion control three years ago in the community.

However, the state Commissioner for Environment, Mr Jamani Ejiro, told South-South PUNCH in Asaba, the state capital, that a sample of the water has been collected for test.

Jamani assured residents and indigenes of Ukwu-Nzu that a thorough water and effluent analysis would be conducted to ascertain the cause of the water colouration in their river

He said, “The visit became imperative following petitions from indigenes of Ukwu-Nzu, accusing MOSRA Energy Limited, a mining firm, of the pollution and colouration of the river.

“We travel to the community and we walked together with the NEWMAP Project Coordinator for about five kilometre to the river.

“We conducted inspections to monitor the effects of mining activities on the stream, the only source of water to Ukwu-Nzu community and we also visited the mining site

“The Delta State Environmental Protection Agency under my ministry has collected sample and will carry out laboratory test on the water, which will be analysed in no distant time.”

The commissioner commended residents of Ukwu-Nzu for not taking laws into their hands, enjoining them to sustain the peaceful co-existence that has existed between them and their neighboring communities.

He stressed that water is considered polluted when some substance or conditions are present to such a degree that the water cannot be used for specific purpose.

Jamani, who promised not to interfere with the result, said both the community and the coal mining company would be invited for a meeting when the result is out.

Meanwhile, the community commended the state government for the visit to the river to ascertain the cause of pollution.

The community noted that it has also engaged an independent expert, saying, “We have planned for another lab for our water analysis independently, to be able to checkmate whatever the state will produce.”

An indigene of the community, Mr Kaikenechukwu Okolie, Ikechukwu Ezedunor, explained that the river was still pure, even after NEWMAP concluded its erosion control in the community.

They insisted that there is no rain that might be moving the laterite into the river, as claimed by the coal mining company. (Punch)