STAKEHOLDERS conducting an environmental impact assessment (EIA) on a proposed asphalt mixing plant in Wailekutu, Lami, should deeply consider health impacts on surrounding residences.
This was an issue raised by former unionist Kuini Lutua during a public consultation at the Lami Catholic Parish Hall on Saturday.
China Railway No.5 Engineering Group is responsible for the proposed development.
She said the Health ministry should be part of all consultations concerning this particular project.
“The MOH should be roped in to provide us an explanation on the health impacts of this development,” Ms Lutua said.
“If approved, I am concerned because we should understand that this plant will release solid and liquid toxic waste, which is harmful to the environment and human beings.”
She said settlements along the Lami foreshore depended on the sea for sources of food and money.
Obviously, she said the liquid toxic waste would end up in the sea.
China Railway No.5 Engineering Group safety and traffic manager Nadeem Shah reassured people at the forum that the concerns would be considered.
Environment consultant Epeli Nasome said those concerns would be put into consideration before a report was handed to the Department of Environment.
