By Naomi Tappia
Residents of Virginia Waterside continue to decry broken promises and environmental devastation as Chinese Company “Illegal” sand mining plunging the Community into despair.
An in-depth investigation has uncovered what is believed to be disturbing revelations about the operations of Lichi, a Chinese mining company, in a sandy Virginia Waterside community.
Residents of the area, including Yamah Washington, Poshea Gray, and Konah Roberts, have painted a grim picture of their living conditions since the company began its sand mining activities believed to be illegal.
According to the residents, the once-thriving St. Paul River, which sustained their livelihoods through fishing activities, has been ravaged by Lichi’s relentless mining operations.
Despite promises of financial assistance and road rehabilitation, the company has failed to deliver, leaving the community in dire straits.
Former Defense Minister Daniel Ziankah stepped in to rehabilitate the road, providing temporary relief to the residents.
However, the ongoing invasion of the river by the mining company has made it increasingly difficult for parents to afford their children’s school fees, as their primary source of income has been decimated.
While Lichi claims to provide the community with a monthly sum of three thousand US dollars, residents argue that this amount fails to compensate for the hardships they endure.
The incessant dust pollution caused by the company’s activities leaves their belongings dirty and their health at risk.
McArthur Marshall, a resident and caretaker in the area, in line with the residents’ claims, stating that Lichi has consistently neglected its promises to improve the community’s livelihood. Moreover, Marshall warns of the environmental hazards posed by the constant river mining, highlighting the potential for mudslides if left unchecked.
In a startling revelation, Aruma Lahar exposes the company’s fraudulent practices regarding its licensing. Despite allegedly paying ten thousand US dollars to the Ministry of Mines and Energy for license renewal, Lichi’s license has reportedly expired since 2012, with no renewal in sight. Lahar accuses former Assistant Minister Emmanuel Swen of corruption, alleging that Swen withheld mining documents and government forms to extort money from individuals, hindering the renewal process for others.
In response, Swen denies the allegations of corruption, citing the lack of a memorandum of understanding between Lichi and the community as grounds for withholding license renewal.
According to the investigation, this explanation fails to justify the company’s blatant disregard for environmental regulations and its promises to uplift the Virginia Waterside community.
As the plight of the residents worsens and allegations of corruption surface, it is imperative for authorities to intervene swiftly and hold Lichi accountable for its actions.
The future of the Virginia Waterside community hangs in the balance, and justice must be served to ensure their well-being and dignity are restored.
