Date: 2013-09-25

The Chairman Senate committee on Environment and Ecology, Senator Bukola Saraki has commended the Ministry of Mines and Steel on the adoption of the safer mining practices in Zamfara state.

The ministry, among the communities deployed the Igoli and Wet Milling Machines (crushers) to three mineral processing centers in Zamfara State.

The former Governor of Kwara State in a statement signed by his media assistant, Bankole Omishore, says "It is hoped that this initiative will help bring to an end the unfortunate episode of Lead poisoning in Zamfara State".

Senator Bukola Saraki had in January of 2013 initiated and led his committee to Bagega communities, one of the lead poisoning ravaged areas of Zamfara State; this led to the eventual clean-up of the affected areas with money released from the ecological funds.

"It is heart-warming that the government recognized the threat of recontamination and that the biggest threat lies in the unsafe mining practices by the people which unfortunately is their only source of livelihood which involves dry dusty mining. This portends a great danger even to the miners and the entire community.

"I’m thrilled to learn about the latest development concerning the deployment of wet mining machines in the area as a step in the right direction to prevent re-occurrence of lead poisoning and ensure that people do not die while exploring the soil to make ends meet.

Commenting on this further, Senator Saraki explained that the three cities in Anka, Bukkuyum and Maru Local Government Area of Zamfara State deserved the processing machines based on their populations while he remains optimistic that the gesture will spread across the other local government area in the State.

Senator Saraki thanked all responsible parties for the initiative and commended the Ministry of Mines and Steel Development for the training programs on safety, health and environmental issues in mining.

The Senator extended his warm greetings to the Governor of Zamfara Governor Abdul’aziz Abubakar Yari, State commissioner for Environment and Solid minerals, Mr. Mouktar Lugga for supporting the Federal Government through the implementations of the various programmes till date.

He urged the people of the affected communities to ensure they work together in order to benefit from the cooperatives to better their lives.