The Environment Protection Agency Sierra Leone has dismantled 31 illegal river dredging machines during a two-day enforcement operation in the country’s east, marking one of the most significant actions yet against unregulated mining activities.
The operation, carried out by the agency’s Kenema regional team with support from security forces, targeted illegal dredging along the Moa River and Maleh River in Kenema District and Kailahun District. Authorities say the rivers have come under increasing pressure from illicit mining, raising concerns over environmental damage and water safety.
Officials described the crackdown as a decisive move to halt activities that threaten aquatic life, degrade water quality, and undermine the livelihoods of communities relying on these waterways.
The EPA said the action forms part of a broader nationwide campaign to tackle illegal dredging, which has emerged as a growing environmental challenge across Sierra Leone.
Despite the success of the operation, the agency stressed that enforcement alone will not eliminate the problem. It called for stronger collaboration with local communities, traditional authorities, and district stakeholders to identify and report offenders.
An EPA official noted that the latest intervention should serve as a warning to those engaged in illegal dredging, but emphasized that sustained progress will depend heavily on public cooperation and timely reporting.
The agency reaffirmed its commitment to enforcing environmental laws, warning that violations will continue to attract swift penalties as part of efforts to protect the country’s natural resources and promote sustainable practices.
