Diamond cement operations endanger lives of Hundreds of Aflao Duta residents

The lives of hundreds of residents of parts of Aflao Duta  where the Diamond Cement Factory is located are at risk as a result of excessive pollution of water sources in the area. 

The land surface of Agbawoeme, Duta and Agorbiakorpe is heavily polluted with cement dust. 

According to the residents, the situation has a negative effect on their farming activities since most crops can no longer survive on a land full of cement dust. 

The situation is even worse when it comes to water. 

The residents depend on hand dug wells but the presence of the cement dust makes the water unwholesome for consumption. 

The residents are now forced to travel long distances with yellow gallons in search of water, whiles those who cannot afford have to depend on the polluted water. 

This issue cropped up in the past and the Environmental Protection Agency and the other regulatory authorities intervened and gave the company some guidelines to follow. 

It is not clear if the company is abiding by the guidelines since the problem still persists. 

The company was prevailed upon to supply pipe water to communities within its catchment area. 

While it is true that the company provided water to some of the communities, some have not yet been provided. 

Pipes have been laid in Duta and Agbawoeme but for about two years, not a single drop of water flowed through the pipes. 

The residents are therefore appealing to the powers that be to come to their aid. 

Angry residents told Radio Ghana that they have endured this situation for a long time that they have run out of patience. 

According to them, if nothing urgent is done, they will be force to use every legitimate means to protect their lives. 

They wonder why Tema and other cities where cement is manufactured, people in those areas do not suffer like they are. 

When contacted, the Municipal Chief Executive for Ketu South, Elliot Agbenorwu told Radio Ghana's Bubu Klinogo that he will liaise with the management of the factory to ensure that potabl water is supplied to the residents within the shortest possible time. 

Meanwhile, following this report,  officers of the Environmental Protection Agency in Accra are expected to visit the area on Friday, February 16, to ascertain the situation on the ground and give the appropriate directives.


GBONLINE
---DECRYPTED---