The Environment Community Health Organisation (ECHO) has praised the government for taking immediate action to address serious issues facing stakeholders within the mining sector.
The environmental organisation in a statement on Tuesday insisted that the government has made the right move in investigating the sector’s operation before urging that the time has come to ensure strong legislation to strengthen the industry. Acting on President David Granger’s orders, a Commission of Inquiry launched into the extractive industry, found that several inconsistencies existed, while the most glaring involved poor safety practices. It was found that regulatory bodies and inspection systems are “woefully inadequate”. It was also determined that some mining operators were not adhering to rules and regulations, making the actual operation very unsafe. Within the last 12 months, 16 mining accidents have resulted in the loss of 25 lives.
Royston King, ECHO’s Executive Director said that the number of accidents and deaths are “unacceptable.” He emphasised that the mining sector should not destroy the environment and be allowed also, to take the lives of those making a living off the land.
“We need to ensure strong legislation with active enforcement systems,” King opined. He noted that there should be stiff penalties for mining operators and their representatives when they fail to uphold the law; causing environmental destruction and the unfortunate loss of lives. King insisted that eco-friendly development must occur in mining districts, particularly those areas that see a regular influx of stakeholders. “That is, good roads, the availability of communication devices and health facilities among others… and it must all be done in an environmentally approved way.”
King went on to state that the mining sector is witnessing an unprecedented push, but the loss of biodiversity, and the increase of polluted soils and water supplies are equally rising. He said that government must continue to fight for the responsible development of the industry, and most importantly, “the protection of the hinterland. Decisions on the environment must be founded on a proper sense of reasonability toward the environment and all those who depend on it for their survival.”
The agency leader reminded that last year, the then government promised $2B in mining revenues to go to the protected areas. He opined that no amount of money can compensate for the degradation and destruction of the environment, and the plunder of natural assets. He supported that the allocation of the funds could help in some ways, but maintained the conservation of the environment since, “it (money) will be useless after we would have done the environmental harm.”
“It is not sufficient to take money from activities that are destroying the natural environment and commit it to protect other parts of the environment. The destruction of one part has implications for all other areas of the environment,” King emphasised. He pointed to the use of chemicals, environmentally unfriendly equipment and materials among others, insisting that the time for laws to address these matters are now. King is convinced that to excite persons about saving the environment and tackling environmental mismanagement is to get them personally involved and enthused about environmental conservation. He said that his organisation is ready at any time to offer advice and assistance whenever necessary.