BY Janefrances Chibundu
The Bauchi government has set up a committee to investigate and proffer solutions to environmental problems that affect the Birshin Fulani community in the Bauchi LGA of the state.
Bello Maiwada, the commissioner for natural resources in the state, announced the setting up of the committee on Wednesday after a meeting with the community stakeholders and management of Triacta construction company.
Maiwada said members of the committee include concerned residents of Birshi community, government officials, environmentalists and management of Triacta construction company.
He warned against illegal mining, urging prospective miners to seek clearance from the ministry of natural resources.
He commiserated with the people of Gudun Sayawa, where four women died at a mining site in the community.
The commissioner reiterated the state government’s commitment to ensuring a safe environment for residents by tackling the challenge of environmental pollution in the communities.
“Environmental problems affect the community in a number of negative ways,” Maiwada said.
“Pollution contaminates the air and water with toxins, which leads to health consequences for impacted communities.
“Nobody has immunity to combat the negative impact of environmental pollution and that is why, as a concerned government, we are going to ensure a safe environment.”
On his part, Lawal Ahmed, village head of Birshin Fulani, said the firm had made some efforts to cushion the effect, including plans to build a healthcare facility.
“We are indeed facing challenges with the dust particles in this community, especially as it relates to our health,” Ahmed said.
“With the committee in place, certainly we will find a solution to our problem.”
Also speaking, Habib Geager, manager of Triacta construction company, called for collaboration among government and stakeholders on how to address environmental pollution.
He reaffirmed the firm’s commitment to fulfilling its corporate social responsibility to the host communities in the state.
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