Kwara State Government has sealed off the China Kaidi Quarry site along Ilorin-Ogbomoso Road. It said that concern for safety of residents of the area was reason for the demolition. Besides, it said the decision to seal off the quarry site followed the inspection carried out by Kwara State Environmental Protection Agency (KWEPA) to the company, where numerous safety violations were discovered, including the absence of essential safety equipment for workers, inadequate training programmes and insufficient measures to prevent accidents. The site sealing team was led by the State Director of Environment, Abayomi Idowu, accompanied by other senior members of staff of KWEPA and officials of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC). “Besides, environmental concerns were equally raised, such as lack of proper reclamation procedures, and non-compliance with essential environmental permits and licenses. “The sealing off of the quarry site further underscores the state government’s commitment to prioritise the well-being of Kwarans and protect the environment from potential harm caused by mining activities. “The closure of the quarry site is a necessary step to protect the lives of people living in the area, the workers and the environment. We cannot compromise on safety and responsible mining practices,” the statement said.
Related
