Field Review, Ambon DPRD Finds Illegal Mines That Cause The Waiheru River To Be Dry

Illegal tin mines in Babel Province. (Between)

The Ambon City Regional People's Representative Council (DPRD) in Maluku found illegal mining activities as the main cause of the Waiheru River drought in Teluk Ambon District.

Chairman of Commission III of the Ambon City DPRD Harry Putra Far-Far explained, based on field observations, the silting of the Waiheru River was caused by mining activities C in the upstream part of the river.

This finding originated from reports of residents who felt aggrieved due to river conditions experiencing severe silting and drought.

"Initially it came from public complaints. After we reviewed the field, it was found that sediment accumulated and closed the flow of river water," said Harry in Ambon, Friday, June 6, which was confiscated by Antara.

According to him, this sand mining activity has been going on for decades and is managed by land owners and several local residents without official permits, including illegal mines.

The impact of this activity not only makes rivers dry up, but also causes frequent flooding in downstream areas during the rainy season.

"Environmental pollution has occurred there. This is an illegal mine because it does not have an official permit," he said.

Following up on these findings, Commission III of the Ambon DPRD has recommended the temporary closure of the illegal sand mine.

"We have held a meeting with related parties and recommended a temporary closure. If there is no firm action, the people downstream of the river will continue to be victims," he said.

The DPRD affirms its commitment to continue to oversee the process of closing the illegal mine until it is completely stopped.

His party will monitor the implementation of recommendations and cooperate with relevant agencies such as the Environment Agency so that there is no gap for illegal mining activities to resume operations.

"We will not stop until there is a permanent solution that protects the preservation of the Waiheru River and the welfare of the surrounding community," he said.

Residents living around the Waiheru River expressed their concern about the condition of the river being increasingly critical.

One of the residents, Erni, said that river drought has a huge impact on their daily water needs and agricultural activities that rely on river water.

"It's been a few months since the water has been difficult to get. We have to find other sources of water that are further away," he said.