Louis Raj, the Director of the Gboko Plant, highlighted the
company's steadfast dedication to enhancing the infrastructure and
socio-economic conditions of these communities. He assured that all segments of
the host communities would reap the benefits of the company's social investment
initiatives.
In response to a recent report suggesting community neglect,
management clarified that the cement company has consistently honored its
Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) obligations and has fostered a strong,
mutually advantageous relationship with local residents.
Raj pointed out that the company has been actively
executing the Memoranda of Understanding (MOUs) with the host communities,
expanding its CSR initiatives to encompass sustainable environmental practices,
capacity building, and infrastructure development.
He further emphasized that the Gboko Cement Plant operates
in full adherence to environmental and governmental regulations. "It is
documented and verifiable that all relevant government agencies responsible for
industrial ecological assessments have conducted periodic inspections of the
Gboko Cement Plant and confirmed that it functions within the established
industrial environmental standards. The Federal Ministry of Environment, the
Benue State Agency of Environment, the National Environmental Standards and
Regulations Enforcement Agency (NESREA), along with other regulatory bodies,
can corroborate these assertions.
"In instances where ecological issues arise, the
company promptly takes action to ensure effective remediation and, in certain
cases, offers suitable compensation to affected community members."
He elaborated that the company has made significant
contributions to addressing water shortages in numerous communities, including
those outside its immediate operational areas. Over the years, the DCP Gboko
plant has successfully installed more than 50 hand-pump and motorized water
boreholes in various locations. Among these initiatives, 17 have been completed
in the Mbayion clan, directly benefiting the host communities of Amua,
Tse-Kucha, and the Quarry Community.
Raj also mentioned that the company is in the process of
constructing additional motorized water boreholes and is installing pumps along
with 30,000-liter capacity steel overhead water tanks for these communities.
In response to a request from the Tse-Kucha community, the
company has recently undertaken repairs on the flow valve at the water earth
dam that provides essential water for various household needs.
Furthermore, plans have been finalized for a thorough
rehabilitation of the earth dam, which was originally built and donated to the
Tse-Kucha community by the former Benue Cement Company over three decades ago.
While these community water initiatives are progressing
towards completion, the company is actively tackling water supply issues by
delivering water to households in Tse-Kucha through tanker trucks strategically
placed throughout the community.
The director of the Gboko plant underscored Dangote Cement's
dedication to environmental sustainability and its proactive approach to
climate change. He pointed out that the company has established a comprehensive
climate change policy that aligns its operations with international climate
objectives.
As part of the Group's environmental sustainability
initiative, the DCP Gboko Plant has launched a focused decarbonization
strategy, which includes extensive tree planting efforts across various
community areas.
"We encourage all stakeholders of Dangote Cement, Gboko
Plant to work together with management to maintain ongoing community engagement
and dialogue. This will promote a harmonious and peaceful coexistence, creating
a favorable business environment for everyone's benefit."