By Adaobi Nsofor
A combined delegation from the Federal and State Ministries of Environment has embarked on an Environmental Impact Assessment visit to Kaolin Processing Plant, Umunuko, Ukpor to ascertain the impacts the factory operation has on the environment and the host community in general.
Receiving the team in his office, the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Anambra State Solid Minerals Development Company Limited(ASSMDCL) Prof.Charles O.Ofoegbu, noted that Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) is very crucial as it helps to ensure strict compliance to the legal and regulatory frameworks in carrying out operations, as well as health and safety measures in mining corridors. He stated that his agency has completed the EIA for the processing plant which is now fully ready for commercialisation.
During the facility tour of the Kaolin Factory building, the General Manager,ASSMDCL, Mr Ebuka Ujubuonu explained that the equipments are working perfectly and every precautionary measures are stationed to ensure safety of the workers in line with global best practices. He took time to educate them on what each machine does, the production capacity, and other structures that are being put in place to ensure smooth operations.
The leader of the delegation, Mr Franklin Nkworgu in an interview shortly after the tour, hinted that they came to assess the positive and negative environmental, economic and social impacts of the Kaolin project.
According to him, he said that their visit is geared towards ensuring that the environment and eco system are protected and safeguarded in the course of operation, which will inturn help create a more responsible development for a sustainable future.
Mr Nkworgu mentioned that from their assessment, the processing plant is serving its purpose of industrialization and economic development in the state.
He said that the Kaolin project is technically driven where the development and implementation are heavily reliant on technical capabilities, expertise and solutions, which is very commendable.
The delegation went further to engage some of the elders of the community, who were present at the factory site, on discussions that centered on their stand regarding the project being sited in their community, of which the chairman of the community affirmed that they are in total support of the project. He also commended the state government for siting such huge project in their community, which in turn gave their town a face-lift, whilst creating job opportunities for their teeming youths.
The delegation also had in attendance, the Environmental Consultant to Anambra State Solid Minerals Development Company, Prof. Ikem Chris Ekweozor, among others.
Nsofor is of the Ministry of Information, Anambra State *
