By Abbas Nazil
The people of Kogi Central are grappling with severe environmental consequences of a massive road construction project in Okene Local Government Area.
While hailed as a milestone for infrastructural development, the project has inflicted significant environmental damage, including deforestation, loss of biodiversity, and severe dust pollution.
The felling of trees along the construction route has left the region vulnerable to intense heat, daily dust storms, and an untidy, unhealthy environment.
Residents have reported an increase in respiratory illnesses due to poor air quality, further exacerbating their discomfort.
The hotter days, worsened by the diminishment of vegetation, have become unbearable, highlighting the urgent need for mitigation measures.
The absence of replanting efforts violates basic Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) protocols, raising concerns about the project’s ecological sustainability.
The environmental toll extends to soil erosion, disruption of ecosystems, and amplified effects of weather changes, such as hotter temperatures, severe storms, and droughts.
Despite these challenges, the community has shown limited concern for environmental restoration. Many residents celebrated the construction, viewing the felled trees as a free source of firewood.
Contractors’ financial compensation for land and property impacted by the road further diverted attention from the ecological harm.
The construction project, undertaken by a Chinese company, has paused for the year-end holiday, with operations yet to resume.
Attempts to engage the company about environmental restoration were unsuccessful. NatureNews reporter experienced firsthand the environmental toll, battling a respiratory infection for three weeks while documenting the crisis.
The exclusion of tree planting along the road construction design is a glaring oversight that undermines the long-term benefits of the development.
Without vegetation, the region faces intensified environmental hazards, from air pollution to biodiversity loss.
This scenario reflects a global trend where infrastructural development often neglects environmental sustainability.
While improved connectivity and transportation bring progress, the ecological costs must be addressed to ensure lasting benefits.
Community education is crucial, as many residents lack awareness of trees’ role in regulating the environment.
Reintroducing roadside vegetation could mitigate the crisis, offering shade, reducing dust, and restoring ecological balance. However, swift action is essential to prevent irreparable damage.
The government, stakeholders, and the construction company must prioritize the environment and the well-being of Kogi Central’s people.
Adopting sustainable practices, such as replanting trees and maintaining natural vegetation, could set a precedent for balancing development with ecological preservation.
The current state of Kogi Central underscores the need for comprehensive planning and adherence to environmental guidelines in all projects. Only through such efforts can progress be achieved without sacrificing environmental integrity.