House of Assembly Standing Committee on Mines / Solid Minerals visits mining sites

The members of the Imo State House of Assembly Standing Committee on Mines and Solid Minerals, led by the Chairman and representative of Owerri North State Constituency, Chief Kelechi Ofurum have carried out inspection visit to some of the Mining Sites at Isiala Mbano and Ehime Mbano Local Government Areas.

The Mining Sites visited were located at Umuaru 1, Umuelemai and Umuleri Communities in Isiala Mbano Local Government Area, as well as Umuami Mining Site in Ehime Mbano Local Government Area.

Addressing Newsmen, the Committee Chairman, Chief Kelechi Ofurum explained that the inspection was part of their oversight Functions to carry out impact assessment of the Mining Sites, in order to identify those that are causing environmental degradation and stop their operation.

He expressed worry that operators of the Mining Sites were not observing the necessary safety measures thereby putting their lives and that of others at risk, adding that Government would not fail to act when things are not done properly regardless of the conditions.

Adding his Voice, the Vice Chairman of the Committee, and the member representing Orsu State Constituency, Chief Uche Agabiga noted that the Committee has identified the Umuelemai Mining Sites as Environmental risk and has directed that they should stop Operations with immediate effect, until the review of their activities.

Also on the visit were other members of the Committee, which include; the member representing Orlu State Constituency, Chief Ikenna Ihezuo and his Ehime Mbano State Constituency Counterpart,  Chief Bernard Ozoemelam, as well as clerk of the Committee, Mrs. Uzomart Oliver.