From Nwogha Ndubuisi, Abakaliki
Chairman of the Committee on Solid Minerals Development and member representing Ikwo North at the Ebonyi State House of Assembly, Ifeanyi Nwakpu has expressed worry over the non-availability of safety gadgets at some quarry sites located in the state.
The lawmaker also faulted the refusal of some site owners to pay Internally Generated Revenue, IGR, and most importantly, their refusal to provide social responsibilities to their host communities.
He said it is time for all quarry operators to reciprocate the good gesture of Governor Francis Nwifuru who has provided them with a peaceful environment and adhere to the mining laws of the state.
Nwakpu, who maintained that if the necessary laws are kept by the quarry companies, they would see positive yields, as the host communities would be ready to be at their service.
The chairman made these comments when the committee paid an oversight visit to some quarry sites in Ishielu Local Government Area.
Speaking during the committee’s visit to Idike Engineering Company Ezillo, Mr Nwakpu frowned at the non-compliance of miming laws by the workers including wearing of safety gadgets and sign posts, and directed the management of the company to do everything possible to correct the situation or be made to face the wrath of the law.
At Jing Zang Quarry Ezillo, the committee chairman commended the management for their compliance to mining laws, as workers were seen on their uniforms and the relationship between them and their host community was cordial.
Other sites visited are Top Trust ( Sino) Quarry Company, Shang Long Mining Investment and Forever Chim Company, where Nwakpu told the management that the visit was not to witch-hunt them, but to know where they need help and expressed satisfaction with their operational standard, urging them to improve on it.
On their part, the Managing Director of Jing Zang Quarry Ezillo, Mrs Lucy Gao Jinmes and the General Manager, Top Trust Quarry Company, Mr Cletus Onoja appreciated the committee for the visit, adding that the company has been encouraged issues concerning the payment of IGR and social responsibilities and pledged to do so.
