Unsafe, destructive excavation of Kengen land

 Dear Editor,

We, the people of Kengen in the diaspora have uncovered an un­safe and destructive excavation of Kengen land in the Jomoro District of the Western Region. We, therefore, request all excavation of Kengen land be paused until the following potential problems have been addressed.

The excavation is causing the exposure of land surfaces, resulting in increased sediment loads that will ul­timately pollute the surrounding water bodies. This contamination can have detrimental effects on the ecosystem, aquatic life, and the availability of clean water for both human consump­tion and agricultural purposes.

The excavation involves clearing native vegetation and often results in the discharge of sediment or dirty water into nearby stormwater drains or waterways. Such actions contribute to the degradation of the environment, impacting biodiversity and compromis­ing the quality of water resources in the area.

The excavation creates permanent deep holes filled with contaminated water, giving rise to multiple hazards. These hazards include the breeding of mosquitoes, providing a breeding ground for snakes and other reptiles, the growth of algae, and the release of foul air, which can have severe health implications on the residents of Ken­gen.

Widespread Erosion and Infrastruc­ture Damage: The earthwork excava­tion leads to widespread erosion, wash­ing away the surface soil and posing a significant risk to nearby homes and roads. Signs of erosion resulting from the excavation can already be observed across the main road and neighbour­ing plots, further deteriorating the infrastructure and creating hazards for commuters.

Uninhabitable Land and Impediment to Development: The excavation ren­ders the land uninhabitable for many years, making it unsuitable for any developmental projects.

Considering the current expansion plans for the town, this site will even­tually be in the heart of Kengen, posing a serious threat to the entire commu­nity in terms of health risks, diseases, and potential damage to properties and livestock.

Given the gravity of the situation and the far-reaching consequences of the damage, we, the Kengen Man­le Association (KMA) in the diaspora, strongly urge the Chief of Kengen to immediately cease all excavation activ­ities in the area till further notice.

We are committed to monitoring the already excavated areas and will promptly notify local authorities of any further environmental damage we may discover.

We firmly believe that by halting the earthwork excavation, we can safe­guard the future of Kengen and pro­tect the well-being of our current and future generations. The preservation of our land, water, and overall environ­ment is crucial to ensuring a sustain­able and healthy community. Together, let us save our future and that of our children.

Kengen Manle Association in the Diaspora (KMA)