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.
Following the adoption of 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.
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 about degradation of houses, buildings and other infrastructural decay.
According to him, âThe 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.
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âWe 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;
âWe 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.â
He added that the activities of quarry companies violate the Nigerian Minerals and Mining Act, 2007, âwhich 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, âThat despite clear violations of environmental and public health laws, no substantial regulatory action has been taken to protect affected residents.â
Following the adoption of the motion, the House directed its Committee on Solid Minerals to recommend the immediate revocation of ZEBERCED Quarryâs operating license if it is found guilty of violating health and safety regulations.
In order to determine the health effects of the quarry’s activities, among other things, it also required the Committee on Solid to call an investigation hearing with the Federal Ministry of Mines and Steel Development, the management of ZEBERCED Quarry, and other pertinent organisations.
