Residents of Aco Estate in Abuja have demanded the immediate suspension of quarry operations by Diejinjia Investment Limited, located a few meters away from their homes.
The residents who trooped out in their numbers to stage a peaceful protest on Saturday, July 19, decried the severe structural damage to their homes as a result of the blasting activities, reckless driving by truck drivers that have resulted in fatal accidents, and growing health concerns due to the constant earth-shaking blasts.
The protesters blocked access to the quarry site, preventing trucks from moving in or out. They also marched to the company’s facility to register their grievances. However, attempts to speak with officials proved abortive, as they were not available to address their concerns.
“The issue is getting progressively worse, and the blast that happened three days ago was the worst we have seen so far.” Nkem Okeke, one of the protesters told Whitewaters Digest.
Speaking on the impact of the blast on human health, Okeke said “it is a matter of urgency and disaster is imminent if this does not stop,” adding that issues of high blood pressure were reported among residents.
“Imagine the kind of shock-waves going through the buildings, and compare it to human health that is even more fragile. The blast has added to our everyday stress as Nigerians which is already more than we can bear,” she said.
Describing the experience as “hollowing”, another resident, Samson Mukolu, who has lived in the Estate for over fifteen years, said the protest “was one of many efforts” they had sought peaceful redress for their challenges.
Since the company began operations about five years ago, Mukolu said the company has failed to adhere to modern methods of quarrying despite making promises, instead has continued to use “crude methods to the detriment of residents.”
“My house like many others have been completely damaged. I have renovated the house three times. The integrity test of some of these houses cannot stand. The buildings have been affected to the foundation,” he lamented.
Over one thousand homes affected – Estate Chairman
The Chairman of Aco Estate Phase I, Sunny Kulutuye said more than one thousand residential buildings have been affected by the quarry activities.
Addressing journalists during the protest, Kulutuye accused the company of violating the health and safety of residents.
“We are here to tell the Chinese people that this quarry operations must either stop or they move away from this residential area”
Speaking further on their demands, Kulutuye said compensation for his members whose “homes or health have been damaged is also paramount.”
Okeke, the resident who spoke earlier, called for government intervention.
“We are Nigerians and what we are asking is not too much. Regulatory agencies incharge of the environment should do what they are paid to do.”
