Lafarge Relocates Communities oOver Alleged Air Pollution

After four years an agreement was reached between Lafarge Africa Plc and some communities in Ogun State, on allegations of air pollution due to the company’s activities, the cement company has fulfilled its promise by relocating affected people in the communities to a new estate valued at N750 million.

Reports show that the 21-unit eight-bedroom bungalows, equipped with modern amenities are located at Oke-Oko Sekoni and Oke-Oko Egbado communities in Ewekoro Local government area of the State.

In his speech at the commissioning of the estate, the company’s Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Michael Puchercos, assured Lafarge’s host communities of its commitment to health and safety needs of the people, adding that it was not too much price to pay for the health and safety of the affected persons, The Guardian reports.

According to The Guardian, Puchercos, who was represented by Adepeju Adebajo, Managing Director of Lafarge Africa, stated, “Lafarge Africa very strongly believes in sustainable development and we live in peace and harmony with our host communities and our businesses positively benefit our host communities.

He said: “Altogether, we are commissioning 21 units of bungalows in Oke-Oko Sekoni and Oke-Oko Egbado, we have provided boreholes and electrification. “It is our adherent believe and desire that, this is just a seed in these two locations that will be developed. Schools will come, hospitals will come, maternity units will come and more indigenes from Ogun State will come home and live here.

“We are working in conjunction with all the communities in Ewekoro Local Government and indeed every community in every place where our plants are sited around the country. With all the communities, we access their needs, we discuss with the community leaders.

Responding on behalf of the people and government of Ogun State, the Commissioner for Cooperatives and Community Development, Gbenga Adenmosun lauded Lafarge Africa for not only relocating scores of Ogun state residents to a safer place, but also, for helping government to bridge infrastructure deficit, The Guardian reports.

Source: The Guardian