Economy
THE Society for the Promotion of People`s Right, an NGO has cautioned Nigerians against indiscriminate mining activities that can degrade our environment.
President of the organisation, Mr Williams Osaze, said this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja on Wednesday.
Osaze said that such activities had adverse effects on the environment, structures as well as health of the people living around such areas.
He said that some activities such as drilling of bore holes and excavation, among others could have adverse effects on the subsoil and cause land degradation.
According to him, the activities have led to land degradation, thereby causing low farm productivity.
“If we indiscriminately resort to mining without restraint, there will be imbalance in nature and with high increase of industrial pollution, it might result to environmental issues.’’
The president said for such activities to be curbed, Nigerians must stop engaging in indiscriminate activities around structures and farm areas.
He also said that drilling of bore holes without proper supervision by experts could lead to degradation of lands and collapsing of structures.
According to him, anyone that wants to drill a borehole should consult management of water board or other appropriate authority before drilling to avoid problems.
“Also, planting trees close to a structure should be discouraged, it is good to plant trees but it is also good to plant such trees in proper areas.
“This is because, no matter how strong the structure may be, the soil is porous, their roots tend to find a way through a crack into the structure to cause serious damage.’’
He also warned developers to do the right thing in housing construction to enhance safety of lives as well as the environment.
Osaze called for strong collaboration by stakeholders to embark on strong sensitisation to educate the public on the negative effect of such activities.
He also urged relevant stakeholders to support the Nigerian Geological Survey Agency by ensuring that unauthorised mining and other activities were discouraged. (NAN)
E.C
Tags: MINNING Williams Osaze
