Sadly, lack of enforcement of existing environmental laws for fear or for other reasons, always has very dire consequences as in the Faraba case. I just read the latest “resolution” dated 21st June 2018 by the National Assembly Members. It is very apparent that these law makers are totally unaware about the existence of NEMA, 1994 and its mandatory requirement to conduct an EIA (Environmental Impact Assessment) for mining. The paragraph 17 by the NAMs’ “resolution” dated 21st June 2018 is requesting a review with urgency, of the Mines and Quarries Act 2005 to ensure a wide public consultation. Someone should please inform the NAMs that their paragraph 17 is WRONG and totally unnecessary. NEMA passed since 1994 makes it MANDATORY to conduct an EIA, ABSOLUTELY requiring the local communities to be closely consulted in a very structured manner with the aim of getting their views in order to change the design or location of any major mining activity within their community, in order to minimize potential social and environmental impacts to a bare minimum. The issues of compensation are also encapsulated in the EIA procedures.
The law further requires the full EIA to be concluded and formally approved before any mining activity can commence. The sad but very simple fact is if the Ministry of Environment and NEA had enforced our existing environmental laws, the tragedy in Faraba would NEVER have occurred. Sadly the NAMs, the country’s highest law makers and probably even Cabinet, are not aware of these important environmental laws.”
Pa Momodou Sarr
Former National Environment Agency Executive Director.
