By Our Correspondent
The Ughelli North Legislative Arm has taken swift action against the arbitrary increase in the price of sand in the area, following an emergency plenary session held on Monday, January 6, 2025. In a move that aims to ease financial burdens on residents, the council reversed the price of sand per tipper load to its previous rate, effective immediately.
The plenary session, presided over by the Leader of the House, Rt. Hon. Prosper Okeoghene Ajearo, was convened at the Ughelli North Legislative Chambers at the request of the executive members of the Sand Dredgers Association and Union of Tippers & Quarry.
The session addressed concerns over the sudden price hike that had negatively impacted those dependent on sand for construction and other essential purposes.
Rt. Hon. Ajearo explained that the decision to revert to the old price was made in the best interest of the residents of Ughelli North, providing much-needed relief for local builders and individuals who rely on sand for various uses.
In addition to the price reversal, the legislative body declared a firm stance against illegal dredging activities in the council area.
Lawmakers issued a directive requiring all sand dredger owners to present valid operational permits and proof of tax and revenue payments during the next plenary session. Failure to comply would result in severe legal consequences for violators.
The goal, according to the council, is to identify and regulate registered dredgers while curbing the growing problem of illegal dredging operations in the region.
Key stakeholders from the Sand Dredgers Association and Union of Tippers & Quarry Dredgers were present at the meeting, including Prince Andrew Odibo, Chairman of the Dredger Union Branch A, Mr. Oyibode of Branch B, and Mr. Peace Ubini, Chairman of the Quarry/Tipper Union Ughelli North.
Following the plenary session, the Majority Leader of the House emphasized that the council’s decision was intended to protect the interests of the people and ensure that their needs are met without unnecessary financial strain.
This move by the Ughelli North Legislative Arm marks a significant step in regulating the sand industry and ensuring fairness and transparency in pricing and operations within the council area.
The Ughelli North Legislative Arm has taken swift action against the arbitrary increase in the price of sand in the area, following an emergency plenary session held on Monday, January 6, 2025. In a move that aims to ease financial burdens on residents, the council reversed the price of sand per tipper load to its previous rate, effective immediately.
The plenary session, presided over by the Leader of the House, Rt. Hon. Prosper Okeoghene Ajearo, was convened at the Ughelli North Legislative Chambers at the request of the executive members of the Sand Dredgers Association and Union of Tippers & Quarry.
The session addressed concerns over the sudden price hike that had negatively impacted those dependent on sand for construction and other essential purposes.
Rt. Hon. Ajearo explained that the decision to revert to the old price was made in the best interest of the residents of Ughelli North, providing much-needed relief for local builders and individuals who rely on sand for various uses.
In addition to the price reversal, the legislative body declared a firm stance against illegal dredging activities in the council area.
Lawmakers issued a directive requiring all sand dredger owners to present valid operational permits and proof of tax and revenue payments during the next plenary session. Failure to comply would result in severe legal consequences for violators.
The goal, according to the council, is to identify and regulate registered dredgers while curbing the growing problem of illegal dredging operations in the region.
Key stakeholders from the Sand Dredgers Association and Union of Tippers & Quarry Dredgers were present at the meeting, including Prince Andrew Odibo, Chairman of the Dredger Union Branch A, Mr. Oyibode of Branch B, and Mr. Peace Ubini, Chairman of the Quarry/Tipper Union Ughelli North.
Following the plenary session, the Majority Leader of the House emphasized that the council’s decision was intended to protect the interests of the people and ensure that their needs are met without unnecessary financial strain.
This move by the Ughelli North Legislative Arm marks a significant step in regulating the sand industry and ensuring fairness and transparency in pricing and operations within the council area.
