Ebonyi Assembly summons quarry coys for using children as workers, others

By Christian Ogbonna

The Ebonyi House of Assembly (EBHA) has summoned quarry companies operating at Ezza-Inyimagu quarry pit in Izzi Local Government Area of the state for allegedly enlisting school age children in the neighbouring villages to work with them without safety guards.

The invitation of the quarry companies was contained in a statement issued by Mr Egede Sylvester, Public Relations Officer of the Assembly on Tuesday.

The statement quoted the chairman of the Committee on Solid Mineral Development, Mr Ifeanyi Nwakpu, as calling on the companies to appear before it on Thursday.

Nwakpu, who is the member representing Ikwo-North Constituency, maintained that the companies should explain why they operate without sign posts, names and registration.

He also said that the companies should explain why they have to enlist school age children in the neighbouring villages to work with them without safety guards.

The Committee therefore ordered the immediate closure of the illegal companies until they comply with the state government’s mining and safety laws of quarry.

In another development, Nwakpu also visited China Geo Engineering Company (CGC) in the Area and commended the management of the company for the provision of safety equipment for their workers.

He urged all the quarry companies in the state to emulate CGC to improve the safety of their workers.

A member of the Committee, Mr Friday Ogbuewu representing Ezza-South Constituency, said the visit was a statutory duty of the Committee to protect the interests of the company, the host community and the government.

The Manager of CGC, Mr Titus Dominic appreciated the visit of the Committee and informed them that the company had kept to the mining laws. (NAN)