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The House of Representatives has called on the Federal Government to investigate the excessive use of explosives by quarry companies nationwide and especially in the Federal Capital Territory.
The House took the decision on Thursday after adopting a motion of urgent public importance brought before it during plenary by the member representing Ifelodun/Offa/Oyun Federal Constituency, Kwara State, Mr Tijani Ismail.
The lawmaker informed the House that ZEBERCED Quarry, located along Arab Road in Kubwa, Abuja, has been operating with significant negative impact on the surrounding communities, particularly in relation to degradation of houses, buildings and other infrastructural decay.
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.”
He added that the activities of quarry companies violate the Nigerian Minerals and Mining Act, 2007, “which prohibits mining operations that endanger human life, property, and the environment (Sections 61 & 116).
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 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.
