Nworie River Dredging Controversy: Reducing the Overload By George Njoku and Acho Orabuchi

Nworie River Dredging Controversy: Reducing the Overload By George Njoku and Acho Orabuchi

The controversy over the dredging of Nworie River continues to echo very loud in a continent thousands of miles away from the shores of the project. Though much has been said about the project, yet the debate focused primarily on the politics of the project with a conspicuous absence of process and policy. As a result, we decided to chime in on the discussion about Nworie River dredging controversy with a compelling opinion that is enmeshed in process and most importantly, policy. We must admit from the onset that we have not previewed the reasons why the Governor and his administration decided to dredge Nworie River. However, we are assuming that there may have been a feasibility study and findings on which the dredging of Nworie River is based. Therefore, we conclude that no governor should embark on such a gigantic project without compelling and justifiable reasons in view of environmental, health, and economic concerns. It is reasonable to say that environmental protection and enhancement, including their economic benefits, has been the hallmark of Governor Ikedi Ohakim’s administration and we are highly encouraged.

In examining the policy aspect of dredging the river, there are three major environmental compelling reasons that informed the decision of policy-makers to embark on the project. It is imperative that these following factors were the determinants for the dredging of Nworie River: Eutrophication, Sedimentation, and Pollutants.

Interestingly, eutrophication, for those who may not be in the environmental field, is a process where bodies of water such as lakes, and slow flowing rivers, receive excessive nutrients that stimulate excessive plant growth. This enhanced plant growth (algal bloom) reduces dissolved oxygen in the water. This particularly affects the ecosystem and in most cases may change it totally. Consequently, there is reduction in oxygen because of the decomposition of large masses of algae. In this situation, there will be death of aquatic animals such as fish. The net effect could be a reduced aquatic biodiversity. Additionally, some algal blooms are toxic thereby rendering the host river unsuitable as a source of drinking water and/or swimming. Without a doubt, the people of Imo state need as many sources of drinkable and recreational sources of water as they can get. It is important to note at this juncture that the two main nutrients causing eutrophication are nitrogen and phosphorus.

Undoubtedly, demands on land space and associated resources have caused the removal of important stabilizing vegetation and riparian buffers; and increased impervious surfaces covering the land has led to increased sediment runoff into rivers like Nworie River. Accordingly, increased sediment load reduces a river’s velocity condition through increased deposition. Unfortunately, increased sediment load adversely affect the biodiversity of most rivers and lakes. This phenomenon reduces the depth of the river thus endangering those aquatic species requiring specific depth for survival. Invariably, sediment loaded rivers are mucky or cloudy and thus reduces light penetration. Empirically, increased sediment load is also a source of different types of pollutants especially the heavy metals like mercury, lead etc., which are carcinogens. In addition, reduced river velocity and increased sediment load make the river more sluggish and stagnant. Stagnant rivers or water bodies are breeding ground for mosquitoes, which are vectors of malaria parasites.

Another factor is the ever-present pollutants in rivers such as Nworie River. Historically, rivers around the State have been the dumping grounds for the wastes from various parts and or around their vicinity. In Imo State, it is worse because of the conspicuous absence of well-constructed and managed landfills. Besides wastes from illegal dumping, pollutants enter rivers through storm water and sediment runoff. Some of the pollutants entering aquatic ecosystems are mercury, lead, pesticides and herbicides that are very toxic to living organisms. These pollutants can lower reproductive success, prevent proper growth and development, and even cause death in both humans and aquatic habitats. It is our opinion that the most important function of any government is the protection of the lives of its citizenry. Therefore, the protection of the lives of Imo state citizens through these various projects is not expensive, but priceless. We would consider any government that could not muster the will to do the right thing for its citizens, especially as it relates to this project, ineffectual.

It is our firm opinion also that the dredging of Nworie River can help do the following :

Reduce aquatic vegetation growth by lowering the river bed below photic zone.
This in turn helps in dealing with nutrient loading.
Dredging a river to a certain depth may increase the habitat of fish.
Dredging helps to reduce sedimentation overload.
Dredging helps to reduce and/or eliminate pollutants levels especially the heavy metals.
Dredging will help reduce the breeding ground for mosquitoes.

Based on the policy implications of the project, and other reasons for the dredging of Nworie River, we humbly applaud the effort of Gov Ohakim as Imo State citizens wait for speedy completion of the project. It is our belief that money spent on environmental issues is not an expense but rather an investment in our future. It is the moral obligation of our government to ensure that it protects the environment. It will be a cataclysmic error not to dredge Nworie River and other stagnant rivers that have the same characteristics as Nworie. Posterity demands it! Posterity also demands that the project be completed timely and provisions made for the maintenance.

Dr. George U. Njoku, Ph.D., PG, CES is an Environmental Specialist in Dallas, Texas USA

Dr. Acho Orabuchi, Ph.D. is an Opinion Writer and Adjunct Professor in Dallas, Texas USA