By Mashe Umaru B Gwamna
The National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency (NESREA) has sealed 30 construction sites in the federal Capital Territory ( FCT) over environmental violations.
The enforcement action against operators is for violating provisions of the National Environmental (Construction Sector) Regulations, 2011.
This was contained in a statement signed and issued by Assistant Director (Press), Nwamaka Ejiofor.
The Director General of NESREA, Prof. Innocent Barikor, noted that the sector, though key to national development, must be properly regulated to avoid problems such as improper waste management, building on floodplains and eco-sensitive areas, uncontrolled dust emissions, unsafe handling of materials and chemicals, poor site drainage, erosion and sedimentation, as well as negative impacts on nearby communities.
Represented by the Director of Environmental Quality Control, Mr Elijah Udofia, Prof. Barikor expressed displeasure at the poor attitude of operators towards compliance, stating, “these facilities demonstrated unwillingness to fully comply with regulatory requirements relating to environmental documentation and responsiveness to compliance engagements. Where regulatory communication is clear, time-bound, and evidence-based, failure to respond constitutes a serious breach of compliance obligations and poses risks to both the environment and public health.”
“The Regulations are designed to prevent harm before it occurs and to ensure that construction activities are managed responsibly from the start. Environmental compliance is not a choice,” He warned.
He assured the public that the Agency would continue to enforce the law fairly and consistently across the country and called on stakeholders to cooperate with the Agency to improve environmental performance in construction activities.
The 30 sealed facilities for environmental violations
Primgate Reality, Wuye, XTadok Nigeria Limited, Wuye, Real Bees Global Ltd, Wuye,
