Idris Ahmed, Lokoja.
Crisis looms between the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja and Nasarawa state over the pollution of the Rafin
Kunama stream in Toto Local Government area.
Rafin kunama, a major source of water to the people of Toto town is being poluted by the mining activities from
the Federal Capital Territory, is being challenged by residents
Following complaints from the immediate communities over the environmental pollution, the Chairman Toto local government swung into action and mandated his deputy to investigate the matter.
It was discovered that a mining company operating in Adegba and Sumgba communities, Kuje area council, in the Federal capital territory, has been dumping its waste, polluting the water flowing to Nasarawa State.
The Council’s Vice Chairman, Hon. Alhaji Abubakar Haruna Kwanakis, who led some top council officials to access the situation, said that the company has been polluting the area for over a period of time now.
Meanwhile a delegation from the office of the National Environmental Regulatory Enforcement Agency ( NESREA) FCT, maintained that the pollution of the land and water source has been going on for over along period of time.
According to the statement, the company is yet to make any effort to reverse the ugly trend until they were discovered.
“This development has led to the poisoning of our major source of potable water, land, and the death of aquatic life within the environment.”
“The unwholesome activities of the Chinese company have brought untold hardship to the livelihood of the people of Toto.”
“We have watched helplessly the destruction and devastation of our plants, animals, crops and economic livelihood, the degradation of our land and water environment caused by the waste discharged into our water through the company’s activities of mineral exploration and exploitation,” the Chairman said.
“The action of the company is condemnable, absurd and an infringement to the community’s fundamental right to live and utilise its natural resources.”
The Rafin Kunama is situated in Toto town along Abaji/Nasarawa road and is the most busy river in the area covering several commercial activities.
The council also met the district heads of Sumgba and Adegba communities and the Chinese nationals for onward action.
The council boss, Hon. Aliyu Abdullahi Tashas who spoke through his Deputy appealed to Toto people to remain calm as the authority will pursue the matter to its logical conclusion and as well return the lost glory of the area.
