“Today, we received the NGO CRADESC as well as representatives from the impacted populations of Ndiakhatt, regarding the installation of the lead recycling plant EMP Industrie. Last week, we also visited the plant at the request of its general manager,” said Amy Ndiaye, president of the Commission for Sustainable Development and Ecological Transition, yesterday. This meeting is part of the exchanges between the Environment Commission and the residents of Ndiakhatt, who have been suffering significant inconveniences since the installation of the lead recycling plant in their locality. Amy Ndiaye went over the reasons for her hearing with the leaders of the company EMP Industrie.
“As we mentioned, we spoke with experts who assured us that the factory complied with environmental standards. However, the Ministry of the Environment and Ecological Transition issued a formal notice against the factory. After hearing from the factory’s management and workers, we deemed it essential to also gather the grievances of the affected populations.””In light of the serious environmental and health impacts reported by the populations, the commission sought to deepen its investigations.”
“We decided to listen to the residents of Ndiakhatt in order to better understand the situation. We spoke with them, took their concerns into account, and we plan to continue our investigations by going to the Ministry of Environment, which made the decision to suspend the activities of the factory.”
Amy Ndiaye also emphasizes that during their meeting with the management of EMP Industrie, the issue of lead pollution was not explicitly mentioned. “According to the factory managers, the formal notice was related to an extension carried out without prior authorization from the ministry. However, as parliamentarians, our role is to verify these claims. That is why we also listened to the affected populations to cross-check the information.”In order to ensure a real handling of this situation, the chairperson of the Sustainable Development Commission reaffirms her determination to see the process through to the end.
“We are going to the Ministry of Environment and Ecological Transition to obtain precise information on this matter. As the Commission for Sustainable Development, we are primarily committed to the protection of the environment. This is a major concern for us. If the exploitation of lead proves to be truly harmful to the health of the populations, we will not hesitate to make a strong advocacy to defend their rights and ensure their well-being.”This case remains under close surveillance, and the upcoming decisions from the Ministry of Environment will be crucial for the future of the factory and the protection of the populations of Ndiakhatt.
Echodefem.com
