Kwara State government has sealed off a Chinese company’s mining site along Ilorin-Ogbomoso Road.
The government’s decision to seal off China Kaidi Quarry site stemmed from its concerns over the safety of the people living in the area and environmental compliance.
The State Environmental Protection Agency (KWEPA) had during an inspection visit to the quarry site discovered some safety violations, including the absence of essential safety equipment for workers, inadequate training programmes, and insufficient measures to prevent accidents.
Besides, environmental concerns were equally raised, such as lack of proper reclamation procedures, and non-compliance with essential environmental permits and licences.
A statement signed by Ahmed Oredunni of KWEPA said the shutting down of the quarry site underscored the state government’s commitment to the well-being of the people. It also said it was aimed at protecting the environment from potential harm caused by mining activities,
“The site sealing off team, was led by the state director of Environment, Mr Abayomi Idowu, accompanied by other senior staff of the Kwara State Environmental Protection Agency and members of the Civil Defence Corps,” the statement added.
