Abakaliki – An Abakaliki-based non-governmental organisation, Neighbourhood Environment Watch Foundation, has called on the Federal Government to protect the rights of communities where mining takes place.
The Executive Director of the organisation, Dr Kelechi Okezie, made the call in Abakaliki on Monday in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN).
Okezie said that the protection of the rights of mining host communities and guaranteeing environmental sustainability was the responsibility of the government and its regulatory agencies.
He alleged that frequent clashes between such communities and the mining companies were a consequence of the non-fulfilment of agreements reached between them.
Okezie said that a regular interface among the government, the regulatory agencies and the communities was required for harmonious co-existence.
He noted that such interface would further educate, enlighten and enrich the knowledge of the members of the communities on their rights and the privileges of the miners.
“Where ever there is ignorance; exploitation is abound and to destroy ignorance, education and enlightenment are inevitable.
“Ignorance of what constitutes rights and how to demand for them often lead to constant clashes within the communities where minerals are exploited.
“The government and other regulatory agencies should play critical role in ensuring that proper education and enlightenment are carried out within the domains where these mining activities are done,’’ he said.
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He said that the foundation had played pivotal role in ensuring stability in most mining communities by educating and sensitising the members on their rights and how to demand for them.
He lamented that mining communities suffered from social and economic hazards emanating from mining activities.
“Water pollution, farm land degradation, prostitution and economic deprivation are social and economic problems that bedevil mining communities.
“These problems can only be solved when there is effective community social responsibility by the companies,’’ he added. (NAN)
