Ebonyi Assembly Frowns At Safety Lapses At Mining Sites, Exposing Miners To Danger

Ebonyi state House of Assembly Committee on Solid Mineral Development has frowned at the various degrees of safety lapses at the mining sites in the state.

The Chairman of the Committee and member representing Ikwo North state Constituency, Hon. Ifeanyi Nwakpu said that most of the mining sites visited by the committee did not pay attention to the safety rules of mining thereby exposing the miners to various degrees of threat to life.

Nwakpu explained that the visit was aimed at ensuring that they ensured compliance with the mining laws, adding that the visit was not aimed at witch-hunting the miners but to ensure that the lives of miners were protected from human made hazards.

The Chairman equally stressed on mutual agreement between the host community and the company so as to bring about more synergy to ensure full implementation of the agreement reached with the community.

He then implored the mining operators to always operate in consonance with the existing mining laws and put the welfare of the workers as a paramount issue in their daily activities.

Also contributing, the member representing Ishielu North State Constituency, Hon. Henry Sunday Eze advised those living within the quarry sites to relocate for the sake of their health as it is injurious to be inhaling the quarry dust all through the days

Hon. Stephen Orji Igwe, the member representing Edda East state Constituency warned the quarry owners against blasting without safety kits and advised that henceforth, all safety procedures must be fulfilled before blasting took place.

Reacting, the Chief Executive Officer of Jin Zang quarry company Ltd, Mr. Ciao Jinmel promised to adhere to the corrections of the Committee but equally maintained that the agreement reached with the host community is being strictly followed.

Thee Manager of Idike Quarry Company, Mr. Ejike Attamah assured that his company will continue to maintain the cordial relationship with their host community and equally work on the improvement of the safety measures of it's workers.

The Community Liaison Officer in Shalom Quarry Company, Mr Ogama Nnanna commended the House Committee for the visit and hoped that the mining operators will adhere to the advise of the committee.