By ALEX UANGBAOJE, Kaduna
A civil society coalition, Network of Civil Society in Environment (NCSE), has tasked the Kaduna State Government to act fast in addressing the out cry from Kapam community, hosting the Kaduna Petrochemical Company (KRPC).
Recently, hundreds of protesters from the community, mostly women blocked the entrance to the company in protest, demanding compensation for damages caused by a toxic chemical discharge from the refinery.
In a statement signed by Coordinator of the group, Gloria Bulus, the coalition called on the Sanator Uba Sani-led government to initiate a rigorous investigation into the toxic emissions from the Kaduna Refinery.
“This investigation must identify the specific chemicals involved, assess their impact on the environment and public health and hold accountable those responsible for any violations of environmental regulations.
“In addition to investigating the root causes, the government should provide immediate support to cushion the impact on the community. This may include, medical assistance by deploying health professionals to assess and treat residents affected by toxic exposure, ensuring access to necessary medical care.” She said.
Gloria, added, “Implement programmes to provide safe food and clean water to affected residents, mitigating the immediate risks of food insecurity and health hazards.
“Economic Relief: Introduce financial assistance programmes for local farmers and businesses adversely affected by the environmental damage, helping them to recover and sustain their livelihoods.
“Strengthen and enforce existing environmental protection laws to prevent future occurrences of similar crises. This includes regular monitoring of industrial emissions and compliance with safety standards.
“Establish transparent communication channels with the Kapam community to ensure their concerns are addressed and they are involved in decision-making processes regarding their health and environment.”
According to her, the ripple effects extend beyond Kapam; they pose a significant risk to the broader Kaduna State, potentially endangering the health of surrounding communities and ecosystems.
“This crisis raises serious questions about the commitment of the Government to protect its citizens and the environment. Allowing such dangerous practices to continue will not only tarnish the government’s reputation but also ridicule its stated goals of sustainable development and public health protection.” She stressed.
