TheCable

The federal government through the Nigeria Integrated Water Resources Management Commission (NIWRMC) says it is investigating the contamination of water supply by a Chinese company operating in the nation’s capital.

The agency, which announced this via its Twitter handle on Friday, said necessary action will be taken in the matter.

TheCable had reported how Hongao Mining Company Limited, a mining firm protected by officers of the Nigerian police force, operates with the water from a stream in Kutasa in Karshi area of the federal capital territory (FCT).

The stream is the only water source for at least six communities in the area. The villagers, mostly farmers, said some of them drink from it.

A laboratory analysis carried out on the water confirmed that it is highly turbid and unfit for drinking.

In the analysis done at the FCT water board, Okobi O. Y. who signed the report on behalf of the general manager, said the “physio-chemical analysis shows high levels of turbidity, nitrate and iron” and that “water may need further treatment”.

Austine Akpuma, a director at Hongao, had in an interview with TheCable admitted they were using the water in washing excavated stones, but he gave security challenge as an excuse for not providing a borehole since they started operation in 2019.

Responding to a call to action on Twitter, NIWRMC said it remains dedicated to protecting surface and groundwater sources against pollution.

It wrote: “Thank you for calling our attention to this, the Commission has commenced investigation and necessary action will be taken. @NIWRMC advocates for Environmental and Public health safeguards in water resources development projects,

“The Commission @ubmagashi is poised to protect surface and groundwater sources against pollution, and to manage and control the water resources of the country so as to meet the present and future water demands.”

The Commission @ubmagashi is poised to protect surface and groundwater sources against pollution, and to manage and control the water resources of the country so as to meet the present and future water demands.

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— WaterRegulations (@NIWRMC) July 10, 2020

Thousands of Nigerians have also condemned the actions of the company, calling on relevant authorities including the national assembly and the FCT authorities to investigate the issue.

Below are some of the reactions:

What are they doing in the @fmmsdngr? Chinese destroying our environment and you guys are looking the other way. When is the hope in this country?@_LekanAdegbite @StateDeptDSS @FCTAbuja1 @ProfOsinbajo @MBuhari.

— STATEMAN (@AhmidGiwa) July 7, 2020

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@StateDeptDSS @PoliceNG @FMWRNigeria @fmmsdngr @nassnigeria
Please investigate immediately. "We the People" are waiting for your response.

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— 🇳🇬Phattboy🇳🇬 (@mshelbwala) July 8, 2020

Dear @DrRamatuAliyu, @FMWR_NGR @HouseNGR, this is is totally unacceptable, we should not have foreign investors endanger the lives of our citizens using protection from @PoliceNG. water-related diseases has claimed more lives than terrorism. Nigerians deserves Justice. #Atumeyi https://t.co/ouiOgUzqW4

— Wilson Atumeyi (@Wils_Atumeyi) July 8, 2020

@fmmsdngr Pls look into this. Thank you… https://t.co/6SfMaFTFjF

— Oriokpa 🇳🇬 (@OkunwaUUA) July 8, 2020

There’s almost no crime or illegality in Nigeria that doesn’t have police involvement or collusion.

Just agree the right %age with the DPO or Area Commander in charge of the area, then he’ll instruct his boys not to bother you and assign some as your escorts.

It’s crazy.

— Stephen Ikechukwu🇳🇬 (@StephenIkechuk4) July 7, 2020

I wonder why @PoliceNG will support foreigners to do great damage to our nation in d name of corruption. Chinese govt won't allow ds on dr soil. Ds Nigerians destroying Nigerians must stop. Collecting bribery is not all about life. Chinese engaging in corrupt act must be arrested

— Samuel Oladipo (@SamuelOladipo8) July 7, 2020

This is so sad! https://t.co/5PYvw8H6TT

— olayade kayode (@talk2kay) July 8, 2020