Special adviser to the Ebonyi State Governor on Solid Minerals (Ebonyi South Zone), Chief David Aja Ogbonna, has charged mining companies in the zone to ensure the provision of Personal Protective Equipment (PPEs), to their workers to ensure their safety from possible hazards.
Ogbonna also advised them to establish private clinics close to the mining company which will serve as emergency centres for accident victims before possible referral to other primary and secondary health centres.
Chief Ogbonna gave the charge when he paid an inspection visit to some of the mining sites in Ebonyi South senatorial zone of the state.
“We are here to inspect the activities going on here, and from what we have seen, I want to charge you to prioritise the welfare of your workers and your host community so as to have a cordial relationship and ensure peaceful coexistence.
“I want to appeal to you to endeavour to provide personal protective equipment (PPEs) like Helmets, Rain boots, Hand gloves and so on to your workers to prevent possible accidents that may occur in the course of their blasting and crushing of stones.
“It is also important that you establish a clinic that will be close to the crushing sites for any possible emergency cases so that they can always save lives. Also, endeavour to put up a signpost at the major entrance to the sites to guide anybody who may wish to visit the company.
“You must also stick to everything that is contained in your community agreement to enable you and the host community to have a peaceful and conducive working environment.”
He reminded them of the importance of remitting their internally generated revenue to the state government to avoid issues with the government.
On a lingering issue between one of the mining companies and a youth group in the Amasiri community, Chief Ogbonna stated that the mining company has not been in operation for some time and urged the youths to give the company time to resume full operation and generate funds to enable them to address their demands.
Some of the companies visited include: Anli Investments Afikpo, Arab Contractors Ihetutu-Ishiagu, Setraco Nigeria Ltd Amasiri, China Solid Rock Ngodo Afikpo, amongst others.
Some representatives of the companies visited assured that they would abide by all the laid-down rules and agree with the host communities, adding that they would maintain cordial and healthy relationships with the state government and their host communities.
They stated that they have procured all the necessary papers as demanded by law to enable them to operate such mining companies in the different communities, adding that they are not operating illegally in the state.
The spokesperson of the protesting youths, Mr. Emeka, said that the company has refused to pay them their security entitlement and take care of their other demands, adding that they resolved to block their entrance.
He also stated that other companies operating in the area are adhering to the terms of the agreement with the community, noting that they are not experiencing any issues with the other companies.
