The Senator of Grand Kru County, Albert Tugbe Chie, has reaffirmed the commitment of the county’s Legislative Caucus and Local Authority in the fight against illicit mining activities across the county, describing it as something which is serving as a hindrance towards revenues generation.
According to him, the fight against illicit mining activities is the responsibility of all citizens of Grand Kru to work in line with the relevant authority in order to institute measures that will put an end to the nightmare that is depriving the county from generating the needed revenues that will fast-track development in line with the ARREST AGENDA.
Speaking during a dialogue held in Barclayville City on Thursday, April 10,2025, Senator Chie stressed that the illicit mining activities being carried out are causing serious environmental damages and polluting water sources throughout the county, something which has reportedly caused the County Caucus to respond based on several complaints filed by citizens.
At the same time, the Senator blamed citizens for sometimes giving rise to such illegal activities, saying they are the first that can be contacted by those miners within their respective towns and districts, without the knowledge of the County Officials admonishing them to stop.
In the same vein, the Grand Kru Legislator reminded his citizens that, if the government must achieve its required collective efforts from the entire citizenry of the county in helping to reduce illicit mining activities, they should know that the mining sector is one of the major sources for revenue generation.
Moreover, Senator Chie disclosed that about thirty five machines are allegedly engaged into illegal mining operations within Grand Kru County, which he said is surprising to hear, noting that the mining authorities will be invited for questioning by his office upon his return to Monrovia after his sixteen days visit within the county, emphasizing that those pieces of mining equipment are contributing factors to the county experiencing deplorable road conditions.
Senator Chie said draglines are prohibited to mine within the country because they cause water pollution and damage other suitable land that could be used for agriculture purposes, adding that citizens always blame the lawmakers for illegal mining activities and urged his constituents to arrest any machine of such, as they are being authorized by the County Legislative Caucus.
Meanwhile, Senator Chie used the medium to call on the local authority to put in proper monitoring system in line with the Ministry of Justice mandate to arrest illicit miners and their mining equipment along with stolen gold to be confiscated.
By: Dennis Sayon /Grand Kru TV News