The Abia State Government has suspended soil excavation activities by Cossel Construction Company handling a road construction project from Akwa Ibom State to Azumini in Ukwa East Local Government Area of Abia State.
The suspension order was handed down by the Honourable Commissioner for Environment, Mr. Philemon Ogbonna, on Wednesday, during an inspection tour of the excavation site.
Ogbonna, who was accompanied by the Director, Flood and Erosion Control, and other officials of the Ministry of Environment, noted with dismay that the company started excavation of soil needed for the road construction without conducting necessary Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA), and getting approval from the Ministry.
The Commissioner explained that there were over 300 erosion sites in the State, adding that it was imperative that proper environmental impact assessment studies were carried out before going ahead with any project.
He, therefore, pleaded with all interested parties in the project to understand the position of government and stay calm until all necessary steps are taken.
In his response, the Managing Director, Cossel Construction Company, Engr. Cosmos Anigbogu promised to adhere to all the conditions stipulated by the state government pursuant to a healthy and conducive environment in Azumini Community.
The Commissioner also suspended dredging activities going on at the Azumini blue River Extension as a result of the environmental hazards associated with such an activity without the conduct of necessary Environmental Impact Assessment studies. He directed that appropriate Environmental Impact Assessment study be conducted at the site before any dredging activities could be approved at the site.
The Mayor, Ukwa East Local Government Area, Lady Ngozi Nwagbara, while thanking the Commissioner for his Immediate intervention, pointed out that the visit exposed the potential environmental hazards prevalent in Azumini Community and promised to ensure that the right things were done across the LGA before any of such projects would commence.
Press Release From The Ministry of Environment