Residents Of Anambra Community Abandon Homes Due To Pollution From Rice Mill

Residents Of Anambra Community Abandon Homes Due To Pollution From Rice Mill

Published on May 15, 2024
By Noah Abdulsalam

Residents of Ndam village in Nnobi community, Idemili South Local Government Area of Anambra State, have abandoned their homes following severe pollution from the recently established Seaman Rice Mill…..read also Residents Of Anambra Community Abandon Homes Due To Pollution From Rice Mill

Villagers expressed their distress over the mill’s establishment within their residential area, citing foul odors and harmful black smoke emissions that have engulfed the entire vicinity.

Mr. John Enwedo, the spokesman for the affected families, lamented, “The rice mill was sited here last year. Since production began, thick black smoke has covered our entire kindred. Many residents are experiencing eye irritation and skin rashes.”

He added, “The factory noise is unbearable, disrupting our sleep. My aged mother frequently falls ill and has developed rashes. We can’t stay in our homes due to the soot. Water left outside turns black, and collecting rainwater is impossible because our roofs are covered in soot. We urge Governor Chukwuma Soludo to help us.”

Enwedo questioned whether a proper environmental impact assessment (EIA) was conducted before the mill’s establishment, emphasizing the unsuitability of such a factory in a residential area.

In response, Seaman Rice Mill’s chairman, Mr. Emeka Agbanari, acknowledged the complaints and stated, “We are aware of the issues. This is a new industry, and we are still test-running the machines. Errors are expected during this phase, but we are addressing the problems. The installation team is on-site working to resolve the issues.”

Residents continue to seek the removal of the factory to restore their living environment.