*Photo: The mining site at Guzape District, Abuja*
Some occupants and property owners in Guzape District of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), on Thursday, sought the Federal Government’s intervention over what they described as “life-threatening blast of rocks in the area.”
A resident of the district and former Deputy Governor of Kogi, Mr Simon Achuba, made the call while addressing newsmen in Abuja.
Achuba, who alleged that the blast was being carried out by Gilmor Construction Limited, also called on the Minister of the FCT, Mr Nyesom Wike, to come to their aid.
He said Nigeria is a member of the International Treaty and Conventions on Explosive and Blast Technique.
He, therefore, submitted that the construction company, alongside its foreign nationals, ought to have been accustomed themselves to the law.
Besides, he said the construction company failed to heed caution from the police that it should observe regulatory guidelines for blasting.
“For about three months, we noticed with tremor incessant blasting of rocks very close to our residential accomodation contrary to statutory regulations governing blasting of rocks either for construction or mining exercise.
“At any point the blasting is done, the whole residential houses within the vicinity of the blasting site shakes thereby injuring the integrity of these properties and the life of our wives and children staying within these premises,” he said.
The former deputy governor said though they acknowledged that “the purpose of the blasting is for the construction of road for the development of Guzape District,” he said: “It is only the living that can enjoy amenities.”
“In view of all these infractions and flagrant disrespect to the rule of law and statutory regulations, we are calling on NESREA, Ministry of Mines and Solid Minerals Development, Federal Ministry of Environment and FCDA to forthwith stop these incessant hazardous blasting which is injurious to our lives and properties.
“It is only the living that can enjoy amenities. Nigeria is a member of International Treaty and Conventions on explosives and blasting technique.
“During the last world conference on explosives and blasting in 2022 in Netherlands, emphasis was laid on international best practice, which Gilmor with her foreign nationals should be accustomed with,” Achuba said.
