PPDF Raises Alarm Over Reckless Sand Mining by CCECC in Akwa Ibom Community
…As Coordinator Bags Award on Selfless Service
By Ekemini Simon
A Non-Governmental organisation, Peace Point Development Foundation (PPDF) has raised the alarm over what it described as reckless sand mining carried out by China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation (CCECC) at Uyo Afaha Nkan in Ikono Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State.
CCECC is carrying out the reconstruction of duslised Calabar-Itu road with its section starting from Ibiakpan Junction in Ikot Ekpene to Mbak Ekid Itam in Itu local government area with a spur to Ididep in Ibiono Ibom. Yet, it was observed that the laterite used in the construction was mine from a borrow-pit at Uyo Afaha Nkan in Ikono Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State.
Addressing Community Eco-System Restoration Forum drawn from PPDF’s established Community Environmental Club now called Grassroots Environmental Foundation in Uyo Afaha Nkan Community on Thursday, the Coordinator of Peace Point Development Foundation, Comrade Umo Isua-ikoh noted sand mining by CCECC at the community was rather reckless especially as it was carried out close to the main road.
He noted that records of construction within the state has shown that companies who establish borrow-pit for sand mining during road construction often abandon the borrow-pit without remedial measures thus leading to erosion and gully in those communities.
Isua-ikoh called on the community to demand from the company and the federal ministry of mines and solid minerals the license for mining, the environmental impact assessment and the reclamation plan of the mining area.
The Coordinator of the Forum, Mr. Bassey Bassey had earlier said that already the community is deeply ravaged by erosion which has affected in no little measure their farming.
He assured that the community is ready to engage relevant authorities towards addressing the issue of reckless sand mining so that their communities will not be wiped out.
In response, the Transition Committee Chairman of Ikono local government area, Mr. Kingsley Akpan has thanked PPDF for the awareness brought to their community.
Represented by the Vice Chairman of Ikono, Mr. John John, the Chairman acknowledged that the sand mining poses a serious environmental problem that may be disastrous in the near future.
He assured that urgent steps will be taken to inform the government of the development thus safe the community from the hazard.
Meanwhile the Executive Committee of the Grassroots Environmental Foundation was Inaugurated with Bassey Bassey as Coordinator, Peter Udofia- Secretary General, Tony Otuekong- Assistant Secretary, Hosanna Essien- Woman Leader and Ita Fabian as Auditor.
Others are Itoro Solomon – PRO I, Aniema Ubom – PRO II, Chief Ini Umoh- Patron I, Uwem Udo – Patron II, and Blessing Henry as Assistant Woman Leader.
The event also witnessed an honorific award presented to the Coordinator of Peace Point Development Foundation, Comrade Umo Isua-ikoh in recognition and appreciation of his selfless and meritorious services rendered for the development of Grass-roots Environmental Foundation.