SAVANNAH CEMENT TO ADDRESS ENVIRONMENTAL CHALLENGES (BACK PAGE)

THE management of the Savannah Cement Company Limited (SAVACEM) has earmarked GH¢619,500 over the next three years to address environmental challenges of the company's operations when production begins in June, next year.
The Project Co-ordinator of SAVACEM, Mr Joseph Ofosu-Mensah, who made this known at a public forum on the Environmental Impact Assessment report of the company, said the management had proposed to set up a department within the company to deal with occupational hazards and public safety.
The forum — attended by traditional rulers, opinion leaders, politicians, officials of the Minerals Commission, the EPA and consultants — was organised by the EPA to, among other issues, provide a platform for SAVACEM management to inform the Buipe community about the outcome of its EIA report. The forum was also aimed at promoting effective public participation in Ghana’s Environmental Impact Assessment process.
Mr Ofosu-Mensah explained that the funding would also cater for reclamation and decommissioning programmes in line with the current EPA mines and quarries decommissioning regulations.
According to Mr Ofosu-Mensah, environmental considerations have been incorporated in the design and equipment selection of the entire plant.
The co-ordinator indicated that heavy noise emitting equipment would be provided with enclosures and noise dampening devices while provision of protective ear plugs for workers would also be taken care of.
He observed that water browsers would be used to suppress dust while the company would also ensure the regular clearing of blocked natural drains and culverts to avoid flooding during the rainy season.
Residents of the area, however, raised concerns over the payment of royalties and re-afforestation programmes on replenishing shea-trees that would be cut down to make way for the use of limestone deposits.
Others pointed out to the management of SAVACEM to ensure that its social responsibility programme was strictly adhered to and wondered whether there was a mechanism to monitor the implementation of that programme.
The Northern Regional Minister, Mr Stephen Nayina, suggested to the management of the company to float shares to enable residents of Buipe and the entire region to have a stake in the fortunes of SAVACEM.
He equally entreated the company to expand its concession to last longer than the stipulated 50 years.