KWSG Restates Commitment to Safety Mining Practices, Warns Against Ecological Hazards
The Kwara State Government has restated its commitment to promoting safety mining practices in the state and ensure the well-being of workers in the mining sector.
The General Manager, Kwara State Environmental Protection Agency, Alhaji Saad Ayuba Dan-Musa made the commitment during the agency's visit to China Kaidi Quarry site, along Eiyenkorin-Ogbomoso road, Ilorin.
The General Manager said the visit to the quarry site was aimed at assessing its compliance with safety regulations, environmental standards, and operational efficiency.
Alh. Dan-Musa, who was accompanied on the visit by his team of experts in the agency, was at the quarry site to get first hand information about its operations and address any matter of concern to government.
He disclosed that the inspection visit was in response to the growing concerns regarding the safety of workers, and environmental impact of quarrying activities in the area, especially the impact from blasting in the neighbourhood.
"The Kwara State Government cares not only about its people but also the environment and would do everything within its power to protect them. Our visit is to ensure that the activities of your company do not lead to degradation on our lands, such that people living in this area are not exposed to dangers, and that the lives of your workers who are mostly Nigerians are adequately protected", Dan-Musa said.
During the visit, the team engaged in discussions with the quarry Management and the workers. The focus was on evaluating the adherence to safety protocols, the presence of adequate safety equipments, and the implementation of effective measures to prevent accidents; protect the workers' health and prevent degradation of the environment.
At the end of the visit, the General Manager directed the company to stop further blasting until the agency completes its assesment. The company was given 72-hours to respond to the agency's query, noting that the blasting might destroy the bridge and part of the Express road.
Dan-Musa, however, assured the quarry Management of continued support from government in its pursuit of responsible and sustainable mining practices, adding that government would closely monitor the quarry's progress and take necessary actions to ensure compliance with safety and environmental regulations.
In the team were Head of Environmental Impact Assessment, Mrs. Nusirat AbdulRazaq; Planning Officer of the Agency, Mr. Musbaudeen Adedoyin; and Senior Scientific Officer, Mr. Isiaq Jamiu, among others.
Ahmed, Abeeb Oredunni
Reporting Officer
KWEPA
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