The riverbank at Micobie in Region Eight, which was excavated for gold mining activities, is still to be refilled by dredge operators despite orders from the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission (GGMC) to do so.
Last year it was revealed that the operators of four dredges had been using an excavator to clear land on a bank of the river and engaging in dredging activities, resulting in major erosion on the right bank of the Potaro River.
In November, the GGMC issued a cease and removal order to the operators of hydraulic dredges and excavators who were said to be illegally mining on the titled lands of Micobie. They were also ordered to refill the land that they excavated before their operations were made public.
Despite the orders, the operators continued to conduct mining activities but as a result of interventions by the village council and the GGMC, they soon stopped. They had claimed that they had permission to work on a claim on the land. They identified the owner of the claim as Edward Singh.
The dredge operators left the area in December without refilling the land.
According to the Deputy Toshao of Micobie Vanessa Domingo, GGMC is aware that the riverbank is yet to be refilled and says that they are putting things in place to ensure it is done. She noted that the commissioner of GGMC did not disclose what exactly is being done but he did indicate that the dredge operators said that they would refill the area.
Domingo noted that these promises have been repeated regularly and the council believes that the dredge operators might not refill the land. She noted that if they wanted to follow the directives of GGMC they would’ve already done so but they have not, so it is most likely a hopeless situation.
She said that they are hoping that the relevant authorities would step in and ensure that the land is refilled or at least penalise the operators considering that they were illegally mining on the land and in the river.
