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Fifteen illegal dredging machines have been destroyed in Kenema District following a joint enforcement operation led by the regional office of the Environmental Protection Agency Sierra Leone (EPA-SL), in collaboration with the Republic of Sierra Leone Armed Forces (RSLAF) and the Sierra Leone Police (SLP).
The operation forms part of a broader nationwide crackdown aimed at curbing illegal river dredging and restoring the ecological health of key waterways across the country. Authorities confirmed that the targeted machines were operating unlawfully and contributing to severe environmental degradation in affected communities within Kenema District.
Illegal dredging has increasingly become a major concern, particularly in districts where rivers serve as lifelines for fishing, farming, and domestic use. Beyond the immediate destruction of riverbeds, the practice disrupts aquatic ecosystems, increases water pollution, and accelerates erosion along riverbanks.
For thousands of residents, these rivers are not merely natural resources but critical sources of food security, income generation, and daily survival. Environmental experts warn that unchecked dredging activities could have long-term consequences for biodiversity and community livelihoods if not decisively addressed.
Officials involved in the operation stressed that while the destruction of equipment and arrests made during such crackdowns may appear drastic, they are necessary to send a clear and uncompromising message to perpetrators.
According to authorities, illegal dredging operations often persist due to alleged tacit support from certain local actors, making enforcement efforts complex and, at times, sensitive. They emphasised that firm action is essential to deter future violations and protect fragile ecosystems.
Authorities noted that without sustained community cooperation, efforts to eliminate illegal dredging will remain difficult. As a result, enforcement operations are being complemented by public awareness campaigns and community engagement initiatives designed to build local ownership of environmental protection.
They further indicated that strengthening the legal framework governing environmental crimes remains a priority. The objective is to ensure that offenders face meaningful consequences while improving preventive mechanisms over time.
Commendations have been extended to the EPA’s Kenema Regional Office and its security partners for their coordinated response and commitment to safeguarding Sierra Leone’s waterways.
Observers say continued collaboration between state institutions and local communities will be critical if the fight against illegal dredging is to achieve lasting success.
