Paschal Emeka, Abuja
A non-governmental organization Urban-Rural Environmental Defenders (URED) has condemned rock blasting near residential building and warned that communities are being exposed to many socio-health risks which include environmental degradation, pollution earthquake among other negative effects.
Speaking during a sensitization visit to Bmuko a rocky community surrounded by quarry companies in Dutse, Bwari Area Council, Federal Capital Territory Abuja, the coordinator of the group Godspower Martins disclosed that rock blasting and quarrying in residential areas has adverse effects on residents through vibrations, shocks, dust, wash off of poisonous substances such as lead into streams and the environment.
According to him, “life expectancy is reduced. There is also loss of various minerals found in the rocks that could turn the fortunes of the community. Continued rock blasting could cause land slide and earthquake that could wipe out the entire community and beyond. Apart from these problems, there is also exposure to deadly effects of natural disaster from windstorms as the hills and rocks serve as windbreakers,” he said.
Also in his presentation, a geologist and mining expert who is a member of the group, Osayi Omachonu, noted that some of the quarry and mining companies are operating illegally and carry out their operations in outright disregard of best practices.
“Wild animals are being displaced by vibrations and shocks as well as sounds of trucks and heavy equipment. As a result of the vibrations from the blast, foundations of houses are weakened; very soon some of the buildings will collapse. Arable lands for agriculture are taken away by quarry sites. There are also abandoned wastes and deforestation pits that pose threat to man and animals.
“We tried to engage the government in the past but the problem continued. That is why we are educating communities especially in FCT where there are many unsafe rock blasting going on three or four kilometers from residential buildings. Unfortunately activism seems to be the only language government understands.
In his response, the Chief of Bmuko His Royal Highness Ibrahim Yahaya Dangana represented by Makama of Bmuko Pashemibo Dauda said that their forefathers settled in that place because the rocks protects them against their enemies and regretted the hills which adds aesthetics to the environment is fast disappearing. He disclosed that vibrations from rock blasting affects hypertensive patients in the community adding that dust from the blast cause itches on their skin.
“We have abandoned farming near the quarry sites. We cannot drink water from our stream. Before our forefathers used to worship their gods near the hills but was abandoned because of quarry and mining activities,” he said.
