The National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA) in Bayelsa State, says it is ready to sanction illegal sand dredgers and other unauthorised marine activities in the State.
Speaking with newsmen in Yenagoa last Thursday, the State Area Manager of the authority, Mr Tom Shaba, reiterated the commitment of the authority to discharge its duties according to the provisions of the law backing its establishment.
He said the authority was in charge of the regulation, control and monitoring of the entire inland waterways in the country.
Shaba attributed the perennial flooding being experienced in some parts of the state to flagrant disrespect for natural water ways.
He noted that illegal and unauthorised sand dredging activities had heavily impacted on many riverine communities, warning that the authority would soon bring the full wrath of the law on those who engaged in illegal activities on the waterways.
The NIWA boss assured that his office would continue to synergise with stakeholders on possible ways of checkmating the activities of those who develop property along natural flows of water.
“Our duties are quite different from those of NIMASA and other basin authorities in Nigeria.”
“While NIMASA is mainly in charge of the deep seas, ours is mainly concentrated on inland, so nobody should think we don’t have enough teeth to bite”, he added.
“Very soon, would be taking appropriate sanctions against all illegal sand dredgers in the state,” he said.

By: Ariwera Ibibo-Howells, Yenagoa.