The Foundation for Environmental Rights Advocacy and Development (FENRAD Nigeria) has demanded urgent remediation from Total Value Quarry Limited Company and AI Quarry Limited over alleged environmental degradation, road destruction and disruption of livelihoods in Asaba Lekwesi Obiagu Autonomous Community, Umuchieze, Umunneochi Local Government Area of Abia State.
FENRAD, in a statement signed by its Executive Director, Comrade Nelson Nnanna Nwafor, and Head of Litigation, Corporate Accountability and Human Rights Enforcement, Barr. Femisi Akande, said the demand followed field reports, engagements with residents and information from community stakeholders.
The organisation alleged that the continuous movement of heavy-duty quarry trucks had severely damaged major access roads in the community, making some virtually impassable and restricting residents’ access to homes, schools, healthcare facilities, markets and places of worship.
It also raised concerns over alleged erosion, flooding, blocked drainage channels and other forms of environmental degradation linked to quarrying activities.
According to FENRAD, agricultural activities have also reportedly suffered, with some farmers allegedly losing farmlands, experiencing reduced crop yields and suffering livelihood disruptions.
The organisation called for a comprehensive environmental assessment of affected areas, followed by appropriate remediation and ecological restoration where necessary.
FENRAD also expressed concern over allegations that some youths who peacefully protested the conditions were arrested and allegedly compelled to sign documents under duress before being released.
While noting that it was still seeking to verify the allegations, the organisation said any intimidation, harassment, arbitrary arrest or coercion of residents exercising their lawful rights was unacceptable.
FENRAD consequently demanded the reconstruction of damaged community roads to appropriate engineering standards, provision of an alternative access route, erosion and flood-control measures, and improved drainage systems.
It also called for compensation, rehabilitation and livelihood support for farmers, landowners and other residents whose property or means of livelihood may have been affected, subject to proper assessment and applicable law.
The organisation further demanded a transparent community-engagement mechanism involving the quarry companies, host community representatives, government agencies, traditional institutions, youth and women leaders and other relevant stakeholders.
FENRAD proposed an urgent multi-stakeholder meeting to develop a framework for resolving the grievances, setting implementation timelines and establishing an independent monitoring mechanism.
The organisation said it had given the companies 14 days to provide written responses outlining measures they intend to take to address the concerns.
It warned that failure to take appropriate corrective measures could prompt it to pursue lawful advocacy, regulatory, administrative and judicial remedies, including petitions to relevant regulatory and accountability institutions.
FENRAD maintained that quarrying and mineral-resource development must not come at the expense of environmental sustainability, community safety, livelihoods and human dignity.
By Blessing Anienwe
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