By Ahmed Ahmed
The Bauchi State Government has set up a committee to investigate and proffer solutions to environmental problems that affect the Birshin Fulani community in the Bauchi local government area in several negative ways
The State Commissioner for Natural Resources, Mr Bello Maiwada told newsmen after a meeting with the community stakeholders and management of Triacta Construction Company on Wednesday in Bauchi.
He pledged the state government’s commitment to ensuring a safe environment for residents by tackling headlong the challenge of environmental pollution in our communities.
“Environmental problems affect the community in several negative ways.
“Pollution contaminates the air and water with toxins, which leads to health consequences for impacted communities.
“Nobody has immunity to combat the negative impact of environmental pollution and that’s why, as a concerned government, we are going to ensure a safe environment,” he said.
Maiwada explained that members of the committee comprised of concerned residents Birshi Community, Government officials, environmentalists and management of Triacta Construction Company
The Commissioner however condoled with the people of Gudun Sayawa, where four women died at a mining site in the community.
He warned against illegal mining, urging prospective miners to seek clearance from the Ministry of Natural Resources.
On her part, Hajiya Zainab Babantakko urged Chairman Caretaker Bauchi Local Government area urged residents of Birshin Fulani to always forward grievances to the community leaders of local administration before going to press.
“That is why we are leaders community can not exist without leaders, go through your leaders to seek redress on any disturbing issues in the community
She assured that after the committee’s deliberations, the state and local governments would ensure that proper things are done for the aggrieved community members.
Earlier, Alhaji Lawal Ahmed, Village head of Birshin Fulani, noted that the firm had made some efforts to cushion the effect, including road construction, and plans to build a health facility.
“We are indeed facing challenges with the dust particles in this community, especially as it relates to our health.
“With the committee in place, certainly we will find a solution to our problem,” he said
Also Speaking, Mr Habib Geager, Manager Triacta Construction Company in Bauchi called for collaboration among government and stakeholders on how to tackle the menace of environmental pollution.
He reiterated the commitment of the firm to provide corporate social responsibility to the host communities in the state,” he said