Enugu communities battle water pollution as death, diseases rattle seven villages

…40 residents died of water-borne diseases – Community Leader

…Our operations certified by NESREA – Accused Firm

Residents of Okpanku Community, which comprises seven villages in Aninri Local Government Area of Enugu State may be further impacted negatively as a result of water pollution which has caused water-borne diseases, killing about 40 persons in the last two years.

The Okpanku residents, especially Ajah Kanayochukwu Charles, President-General of Okpanku Community, have accused three mining firms, namely, Greenfield Nigeria Limited, Ambratone Nigeria Limited and Arab Contractors Nigeria Limited, operating in neighbouring Ebonyi State of polluting and contaminating the Ivo River, which is the only source of water in the Community.

Speaking on behalf of the seven villages that make up the Okpanku Community in Enugu State, Ajah Kanayochukwu Charles, President-General of Okpanku, who is an Engineer and former Commissioner for Water Resources in Enugu State, declared that the mining activities of the three miners in neighbouring Ebonyi State is contaminating Ivo River, causing series of water-borne diseases, endangering lives and livelihoods of the residents.

According to him, Okpanku, comprises seven villages, such as Okpu, Ihuibe, Amabiriba, Amagu, Amaogudu, Ihuezoke, and Amaeze, and relies solely on the Ivo River for drinking, domestic use, fishing, and farming.

Ajah, who raised concerns over the environmental and health impact of mining activities in the area, explained that the river, which flows from Ishiagu through Ihuetutu and surrounding areas in Ivo Local Government Area of Ebonyi State, has allegedly been contaminated by mining operations carried out by Greenfield Nigeria Limited, Ambratone Nigeria Limited, and Arab Contractors Nigeria Limited.

“Our community depends entirely on this river. It is the only perennial source of water we have. Unfortunately, it is now being polluted by mining activities, and the consequences are devastating”, Ajah stated.

Drawing from his background in water resources and environmental engineering, he alleged that toxic substances possibly heavy metals are being discharged into the river, posing severe health risks to residents.

“We have observed unusual illnesses and deaths. While I won’t pre-empt the outcome of an environmental impact assessment, I can confidently say these substances are hazardous. Our people are dying”, he explained.

Ajah claimed that between 30 and 40 persons had died within the past two years under circumstances he believes may be linked to the polluted water source, adding that repeated appeals to the companies involved had yielded no response.

He called on the Ebonyi State Commissioner of Police and relevant Authorities to intervene, urging them to compel the companies to stop further pollution and ensure protection for affected communities.

“We are asking for urgent intervention. Let them stop polluting the river so our people can live. We are open to dialogue, including alternative dispute resolution, but immediate action is necessary”, he added.

However, one of the accused companies, Greenfield Nigeria Limited, has strongly denied the allegations, insisting that its operations comply with all environmental regulations.

Henry Ahanotu, who spoke on behalf of the company, dismissed the claims as unfounded and challenged the accusers to provide verifiable evidence.

“We are not polluting any environment. Our operations strictly follow the stipulated mining laws as regulated by the Federal Ministry of Mineral development”, he said.

Ahanotu further stated that the company undergoes regular environmental inspections by the National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency (NESREA), noting that compliance checks are conducted frequently.

“NESREA inspects our operations regularly sometimes monthly to ensure compliance with environmental standards, and we have consistently met those requirements”, he noted.

He also accused some individuals of attempting to tarnish the company’s image for ulterior motives and warned that Greenfield would not hesitate to seek legal redress against what it described as defamatory claims.

“If these unverified allegations continue, we will pursue legal action. Everyone is free to come and verify our operations. We have nothing to hide”, Ahanotu added.
BusinessDay reports that conflicting claims have heightened concerns over environmental safety and public health in the affected communities in Enugu State, with the stakeholders calling for an independent investigation to ascertain the true state of the river and the impact of mining activities in the area.