The Prefect of Lôh-Djiboua region, Womblégnon Célestin, has called on local leaders and residents to mobilize against illegal gold mining in the region. At the 4th ordinary session of the Lôh-Djiboua Regional Council, he highlighted the persistence of this issue in some localities, particularly in the sub-prefectures of Hiré and Didoko. He emphasized the need for collective action to effectively combat this problem.
According to the Prefect, the region's authorities have made efforts to curb the practice, with the Forces de défense et de sécurité closing identified illegal sites. However, he stressed that more needs to be done to prevent the reinstallation of clandestine miners. The Prefect also underscored the responsibility of landowners and local communities in preventing this phenomenon.
The Prefect warned of the severe consequences of illegal gold mining, including environmental degradation, insecurity, drug consumption, aggression, and prostitution. He urged the regional councilors to raise awareness among the population and encourage landowners to preserve the region's natural resources. The Prefect's call to action was supported by the President of the Regional Council, Minister Amédé Koffi Kouakou.
Minister Kouakou highlighted the devastating impact of illegal gold mining on agricultural land, water resources, and public health, particularly due to the use of hazardous chemicals like mercury and cyanide. He echoed the Prefect's call for collective action, urging councilors to disseminate the message to the population and sensitize landowners on the importance of preserving the region's resources.
In recent months, prefectural authorities in the region have been conducting tours and organizing information and awareness sessions to educate the population on the dangers of illegal gold mining. The government has vowed to crack down on the practice, aiming to eradicate it within six months. The authorities are counting on the support of local leaders and residents to achieve this goal.
The Regional Council has pledged to support the initiative to combat illegal gold mining. Councilors have been tasked with relaying the message to the population and encouraging landowners to take responsibility for preserving the region's natural resources. The fight against illegal gold mining is expected to be a priority for the region in the coming months.
The authorities' efforts to combat illegal gold mining are seen as a crucial step towards protecting the region's environment, security, and public health. The population is expected to play a key role in this endeavor, by reporting suspicious activities and supporting the authorities' efforts to eradicate the practice.
Key points
- The Prefect of Lôh-Djiboua region calls on local leaders and residents to mobilize against illegal gold mining.
- The practice has severe consequences, including environmental degradation, insecurity, and public health risks.
- The authorities aim to eradicate illegal gold mining in the region within six months.
