Accounting for the Environmental Impacts of Cement Production on Host Communities: A Case Study of Ewekoro, Nigeria
The contribution of manufacturing sector of the Nigerian economy cannot be ignored and cement production occupies a notable position in this sector. The cement industry of the manufacturing sector contributes to the growth of the economy through its sales and distribution chain, job creation, monetary circulation and lots more. However, the production process has both economic and environmental impacts on host communities as raw materials are continuously drawn-up to keep production functioning and toxic waste material are released back into the natural environment. This paper examines the environmental and economic impact of cement production of Lafarge WAPCO on local inhabitants of Ewekoro Local Government Area, Nigeria using descriptive survey design and data collected with the aid of a close ended questionnaire and scheduled interview with households. The questionnaire was administered on a total of 150 respondents. Data was analysed using the Chi Square statistic at 5% significance level.. Findings indicate that cement production is a major factor influencing the environment and economics of people of Ewekoro Local Government Area in Nigeria with impacts on farms (75%), marine life (52%), roofs on houses (91%), water(77%) and air quality(68%). The association between cement production and environmental impacts is quite strong as shown through Chi Square results as p<0,05 for each variable. It is recommended that hygienic treatment of all waste before release into the environment is imperative. The federal, state and local governments as well as her agencies saddled with environmental management and maintenance especially NESREA should ensure total compliance to policies regulating the disposal of waste by manufacturing companies while sanctions should be meted on violators. Suitable tax regimes should be imposed on such production to cater for remediation and interventions.
