Saraki hails remediation of Bagega

Saraki said: “I’m pleased to learn that the remediation of Bagega which started on the 5th of March 2013 is 99 percent complete, while the 1 percent remaining is the covering of the landfills.”He cautioned on the need to close up all land fill immediately as a critical part to a complete remediation to avoid […]

Saraki said: “I’m pleased to learn that the remediation of Bagega which started on the 5th of March 2013 is 99 percent complete, while the 1 percent remaining is the covering of the landfills.”
He cautioned on the need to close up all land fill immediately as a critical part to a complete remediation to avoid re-contamination.
A statement issued by his aid noted that after undertaking on the spot’s assessment visit of the lead poisoned ravaged community, Saraki  made a plea to the Federal Government on behalf of the children who were on death threatening condition to secure immediate release of funds for remediation to avoid further loss of life.   
“Consequently, the Federal Government approved the release of about 850million naira from the Ecological Funds distributed amongst the Ministry of Environment, Ministry of Health, Ministry of Mines and Steel Development, mainly for the remediation of communities affected by lead poisoning in Zamfara State,” the statement said.
He expressed delight that the people of Bagega were happy remediation (Environmental Clean Up) turned out successful, after a sequential and mechanical removal of exposed surfaces which were scientifically and safely replaced with new sand or cement materials.
Saraki said that while it would be difficult to completely stop mining activities in the area which remained the main source of livelihood of the people, the Ministry of Mines and Steel should step in to educate them and ensure they adopt safer mining practices.