Public disclosure on YIJINYUAN proposed quarry
A public disclosure meeting was held on Thursday 19th June 2014 at the Masiaka and Magbontho Port Loko District to introduce and discuss with the communities about the creation of quarry by Eshia Yijinyuan Company.
Lead consultant of the CERATEC Engineering Research and project consultant group Dr. M.A. Fofana told the audience that the disclosure is important as it directs the community to effectively participate in both planning and implementation of the project.
Further more, it provides a platform to hear the concerns of the affected, and to make meaningful recommendations of how the project should run. He said this in turn will help the Environmental Protection Agency for proper monitoring of the project.
The Ministry of Works Director of Quarries, Mr. Edward Silman told the gathering that his major responsibility is to talk to the people about the effects of Quarry. Mr. Silman also advised the community to express themselves about any dissatisfaction they may have in respect of the project.
The Regional Environmental officer, Mr. Joseph Kapunka Turay said his Agency came into being by an Act of Parliament in 2008. He furthered that it is that Act that mandated the Environmental Protection Agency to protect the Sierra Leone Environment and to effectively execute this by using the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) as a tool.
He said this tool is a sustainable development tool as it identifies and predict measures for any operation. He also added that the public disclosure is important as it verifies the parameters stated in the report. As a senior Environmental Officer he commended the company for complying with the Act of 2008 which was amended in 2010 even before the commencement of work.
Mr. Joseph said the forum is important and evident that the consultant has met with the project affected communities as it will be included in the report. It is also important as it ensures that the consultant recommend an adequate mitigation measures towards the project activities before commencement of work.
The program was chaired by the Paramount Chief, P. C. M. L. Alimamy Kanu of Koya Chiefdom.
Representatives of the Ministries of Health, Agriculture and mines also made meaningful contributions.
By: Alhassan Deen Kamara
Stay with Sierra Express Media, for your trusted place in news!
© 2014, https:. All rights reserved.
