There is an urgent need to address the pollution caused to Metepona River on North Guadalcanal by the mine operations at Gold Ridge on Central Guadalcanal.
North Guadalcanal Chief, Benedict Garimane said the new Government, formed after the November 19 National Elections, a new Gold Ridge Investor, the Kolobisi Landowners Association, and the Guadalcanal Provincial Government should seriously address the dangerous impacts on Metepona River and the villagers.
He said the villagers depend on the river for washing, cooking their meals and protein.
Chief Garimane said pollution also impacts on the villagers’ gardens along the river’s banks.
He said the Gold Ridge people have been enjoying the benefits from the gold mining operations, while the people along the Metepona River downstream have been deprived of clean water.
He believes the people need to be compensated with either finance or a proper water supply system, as well as improved roads, schools and clinics.
Chief Garimane said former North Guadalcanal MPs and the provincial government have not addressed the pollution issues since gold mining operations started at Gold Ridge more than two decades ago.
In conclusion, he said it is high time the people along Metepona River elect active members of the Kolobisi Landowners Association as the current executive membership is very inactive.
By George Atkin
