State Minister Highlights Importance of Quarrying

Minister of State in the Ministry of Mining and Telecommunications, Laurence Broderick has emphasised that quarrying is an important and viable business, supplying the needs of the building and construction sector.
He also pointed out that quarrying of several of the nation’s rivers, especially those in the eastern section of the country, has been necessary in order to control siltation and limit the possible impact of flooding.
“The siltation of the rivers has, in several instances, gotten worse and hence the need to constantly remove the accumulated material or risk the devastating impact of flooding, which would have been complicated by silted channels,” Mr. Broderick said.
The State Minister was making his contribution to the 2008/09 Sectoral Debate in the House of Representatives on July 9.
He said that while quarrying is very important, it is now necessary to rationalise between sand quarrying and river training. “This is especially so, since it is often very difficult to distinguish between the two,” Mr. Broderick added.
“We have to prevent damage to adjoining lands, private property and public infrastructure caused by poor quarrying practices. Illegal quarry operations will not be tolerated, and the Security Forces will be deployed to respond to these activities,” the State Minister said.