Reps threaten to revoke operational license of quarry firm over ‘excessive blasts’ in Abuja
The house of representatives has threatened to revoke the operating license of ZEBERCED Quarry over alleged excessive blasts in Abuja, the nation’s capital.
The resolution follows a motion of urgent public concern presented during the plenary on Thursday by Tijani Ismail, the lawmaker representing the Ifelodun/Offa/Oyun federal constituency in Kwara state.
According to the lawmaker, the activities of ZEBERCED quarry, which is situated along Arab road in Kubwa, Abuja, have been affecting buildings and other infrastructure in the community.
“The house is aware that the persistent detonation of explosives from the quarry has led to serious noise pollution, resulting in auditory impairments, respiratory health issues, and psychological distress, especially among children and elderly residents,” the lawmaker said.
“We are concerned that the continuous ground vibrations from quarry explosions have weakened buildings and infrastructure in the area, creating the potential for structural collapse and severe property damage, endangering lives.
“We are also concerned that heavy-duty trucks transporting materials from the quarry have deteriorated road infrastructure, leading to increased vehicular accidents, economic losses, and mobility challenges for residents.”
He added that Nigerian Minerals and Mining Act, 2007, “prohibits mining operations that endanger human life, property, and the environment”.
He also accused quarry companies of breaching provisions of the Environmental Impact Assessment Act (1992), which mandates that any industrial activity likely to affect public health, among others, must undergo proper and relevant assessment and mitigation planning.
“That despite clear violations of environmental and public health laws, no substantial regulatory action has been taken to protect affected residents,” Ismail said.
Following the adoption of the motion, the house directed its committee on solid Minerals to recommend the immediate revocation of ZEBERCED Quarry’s operating license if it is found guilty of violating health and safety regulations.
It also mandated the committee to summon the management of ZEBERCED Quarry, the federal ministry of mines and steel development and other relevant agencies for an investigative hearing to assess the health impact of the quarry’s operations among others.
