…Calls on FG to Clean Up Polluted Areas in Enugu
By Tina Amanda
As plans to resume coal mining in Enugu State gain traction, the Lekeh Development Foundation has called for urgent remediation of coal-polluted communities before any new operations commence.
Speaking during a three-day community sensitization campaign in Iva Valley, Enugu, the Executive Director of the Foundation, Friday Nbani, emphasized the need to decommission outdated mining facilities and restore polluted areas.
The event, supported by the Global Greengrant Fund, aimed to empower communities to advocate for their environmental rights.
“Enugu State has a long history of coal mining, leaving severe environmental and health consequences on local communities. With new mining proposals under consideration, it is crucial to educate and mobilize residents to resist harmful practices and demand the cleanup of existing damage.”
He highlighted the detrimental effects of past coal mining activities, including contaminated water sources, degraded farmlands, air pollution, and rising health issues among residents.
“”We are confronted with a critical challenge: the proposed reestablishment of coal mines in our state. While some may view this as economic progress, we must ask ourselves: At what cost to our environment? At what cost to our health? At what cost to our children’s future?
“Our communities have borne witness to contaminated water sources that once sustained our farmland, degraded lands that were once fertile, and health challenges that continue to affect families. Air pollution has also impacted our daily lives. Yet, we are not here merely to list our grievances. We demand the cleanup and restoration of existing polluted sites.”
“The resumption of coal mining may be seen as economic progress, but at what cost? We must consider its impact on our environment, health, and future generations. Our communities have already suffered enough,” he added.
The Lekeh Foundation reiterated its commitment to community-focused advocacy, stressing the need for strict environmental protection measures.
The campaign urged the Federal Government to implement the following recommendations: “Develop comprehensive environmental protection legislation, establish community consultation requirements for mining proposals. Create restoration funding mechanisms
Strengthen local environmental monitoring capacity, and develop sustainable alternative livelihood programs. Continue environmental education initiatives
Maintain and expand stakeholder network, regularly update stakeholder database. Continuous capacity building for local advocates.”
The Foundation vowed to continue mobilizing communities to oppose coal mining resumption while pushing for sustainable development alternatives in Enugu State.
