The Plateau state House of Assembly has pledged urgent action against the growing hazards posed by mining activities within residential communities across the state.
Chairman of the House Committee on Environment and Solid Minerals Development, Hon. Sunday Na’ah, disclosed this to journalists after Tuesday’s plenary.
His comments followed a motion raised by Hon. Denty Jacob, a member representing Pankshin South constituency.
Hon. Jacob, while moving the motion, expressed deep concern over the increasing processing of tin, columbite, monoxide and other solid minerals within residential areas, particularly in Jos and its environs.
“These activities emit toxic substances, heavy metals, dust and chemical by-products that pose severe health risks to residents, including respiratory infections, cancers, kidney failure and other long-term ailments,” Jacob said.
Hon. Na’ah assured that the committee would carry out oversight visits, assess the environmental and health impact of mining activities, and report back to the plenary.
“We will look at the effects and impacts of mining activities within the cosmopolitan city and other affected areas. These processes involve heavy machines and chemical emissions that are dangerous to human health. The committee will also explore ways to relocate such companies to designated mining zones outside residential areas,” he said.
The committee chairman added that the House would liaise with the National Assembly Committee on Solid Minerals to ensure compliance, safety, and proper regulation of companies operating in Plateau state.
On his part, Speaker of the House, Rt. Hon. Naanlong Daniel, stressed that despite mineral resources being on the Exclusive List under federal control, the state legislature has a duty to regulate activities that threaten the health of its citizens.
“There is an urgent need to act now to protect present and future generations from these dangers,” Daniel declared, directing the committee to immediately curtail the menace,” he said.