Akwa Ibom Seals Chinese Firm Over Toxic Emissions

Following a series of complaints of environmental pollution threatening the residents of Ikot Ebido and the adjoining communities within the precinct of Ikot Ekpene road in Uyo Capital City Development Authority (UCCDA), the Akwa Ibom state government has sealed Golden Tripod Company (GTC), a Chinese auto parts manufacturing firm.

Besides, LEADERSHIP gathered yesterday that the firm has been ordered to relocate from the state capital to a new location at Ikot Eduek Itak, in Ikono local government area.

The commissioner for environment and mineral resources, Chief Uno Etim Uno, delivered the enforcement order on behalf the government to the managing director of the factory, Mr. Mrilin, during the shutting down of the company by the enforcement team of the state government.

Announcing the Executive Order (EO),  Uno condemned in strong terms what he described as the Chinese company’s contemptuous disposition to government’s order, after three months vacation notice, shunning entreaties by management to stay action for as the workers were caught engaging in active production.

The commissioner recalled that “the Chinese-owned brake parts manufacturing factory, was in August this year issued a three-month ultimatum to relocate to Itam Industrial Park, due to the hazards and damaging impacts of its operations on people’s health within the factory and its environs along the Uyo – Ikot Ekpene Road.”