Mining Activities in Ekiti Community Raise Safety Concerns for Hospital Staff, Patients

Residents of Ijero Ekiti in Ekiti State are sounding the alarm over the potential dangers posed by mining activities near the State Specialist Hospital, where over 30 communities seek medical attention. The mining site, located on a highland overlooking the hospital, has been in operation since 1992, with miners using explosives to blast stones, causing vibrations that have raised concerns about the structural integrity of nearby buildings, including the hospital.

A teacher and former resident of the area, Ola Adeyemi, expressed fears that the hospital and surrounding houses may not withstand integrity tests due to the sustained blasting of stones with explosives. A hospital staff member, who spoke on condition of anonymity, corroborated Adeyemi’s concerns, stating that the vibrations and loud blasts are disturbing for patients, especially those with hypertension.

Aside from the potential structural damage, residents are also worried about the likelihood of erosion from the site, which could put the environment and nearby buildings at risk. The mining site, which lies bare with holes, stones, and heaps of sand, has been a source of concern for many years.

While the miners argue that they are licensed and comply with environmental standards, some residents and hospital staff are calling for the government to intervene and address the safety concerns. The Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dr. Dele Alake, had earlier placed a ‘stop work order’ on the mining site due to some unresolved issues between the miners and the community.

The community has seen both positive and negative impacts from the mining activities, with some residents benefiting economically while others face health hazards and environmental risks. As the debate continues, one thing is certain – the safety concerns posed by the mining activities near the hospital need to be addressed to prevent any potential disasters.