The Federal Government has been urged by the House of Representatives to look into the overuse of explosives by quarry businesses around the country, particularly in the Federal Capital Territory.
This is coming months after InvestigateNigeria’s investigations on the non-environmental activities, the environmental devastations and health hazard caused by three major foreign businesses in Abuja.
After accepting a resolution of urgent public concern presented to it during plenary by Mr. Tijani Ismail, the representative for the Ifelodun/Offa/Oyun Federal Constituency in Kwara State, the House decided on Thursday.
According to the lawmaker, the activities of ZEBERCED Quarry, which is situated along Arab Road in Kubwa, Abuja, has been deteriorating homes, building and other infrastructure in the community.
He noted that the operation of the site has detrimental effects on the health of community members.
According to him, “The House is aware that the persistent detonation of explosives from the quarry has led to serious noise pollution, resulting in auditory impairments, respiratory health issues, and psychological distress, especially among children and elderly residents.
“We are concerned that the continuous ground vibrations from quarry explosions have weakened buildings and infrastructure in the area, creating the potential for structural collapse and severe property damage, endangering lives;
“We are also concerned that heavy-duty trucks transporting materials from the quarry have deteriorated road infrastructure, leading to increased vehicular accidents, economic losses, and mobility challenges for residents.”
The Nigerian Minerals and Mining Act, 2007, he said, “prohibits mining operations that endanger human life, property, and the environment (Sections 61 & 116).” Quarry businesses’ actions violate this law.
He also accused quarry companies of breaching provisions of the Environmental Impact Assessment Act (1992), which mandates that any industrial activity likely to affect public health, among others, must undergo proper and relevant assessment and mitigation planning.
He lamented, “That despite clear violations of environmental and public health laws, no substantial regulatory action has been taken to protect affected residents.”
Following the adoption of the motion, the House directed its Committee on Solid Minerals to recommend the immediate revocation of ZEBERCED Quarry’s operating license if it is found guilty of violating health and safety regulations.
It also mandated the Committee on Solid to summon the management of ZEBERCED Quarry, the Federal Ministry of Mines and Steel Development and other relevant agencies for an investigative hearing to assess the health impact of the quarry’s operations among others.
Background
InvestigateNigeria’s earlier reported how three foreign quarry companies owned by Turkish and Chinese businesses are causing havoc in Abuja, Nigeria’s seat of power.
The report, which is a two-part series, which can be read here and here revealed how Zeberced Limited Company, non-environment
