Abomey-Calavi authorities have initiated a significant enforcement action, leading to the temporary closure of several sand quarries following a full control tour conducted on July 25. The operation, which targeted various neighborhoods within the commune, was specifically designed to verify construction site compliance with required permits and to meticulously control sand extraction sites operating in the area. Teams involved in this key inspection visited three distinct neighborhoods during their tour: Togbin, located in the Godomey arrondissement; Maria-Gléta, situated in Ouèdo; and Calavi-Centre. These closures were swiftly implemented following the detailed checks performed by local officials, showing the administration's commitment to upholding regulatory standards.
Quarry Irregularities and Closures
During the intensive control tour, inspectors uncovered several significant irregularities at the sand quarries they visited. Controllers consistently noted a widespread lack of invoicing for transactions, indicating a failure to properly document sales and operations. Observations revealed numerous instances of sand transport operations conducted without the proper tarpaulin coverings on vehicles, a practice that can lead to environmental issues and safety hazards. These issues, among others, collectively contributed to an overall assessment of widespread non-compliance with established regulations governing quarry operations in the area. The findings from these inspections noted a pressing need for immediate corrective action.
Following these critical observations and the full assessment of non-compliance, the prefect issued a decisive order for the provisional closure of all sand quarries that had been visited during the inspection. This measure mandates that the closures are to remain in effect until the operators can demonstrate full compliance with the necessary regulations and successfully bring their operations up to the required standard. The overarching objective of this strict enforcement is to ensure that all sand extraction activities within the commune adhere rigorously to both environmental protection guidelines and operational safety protocols, thereby safeguarding the local environment and community.
Construction Site Violations
The control tour also brought to light numerous violations at construction sites across Abomey-Calavi. Owners of construction sites found to be lacking valid building permits were promptly reported to by authorities. A significant concern was the discovery that many of these constructions were also situated in low-lying areas. This particular issue is critical as it severely compromises natural water drainage systems and substantially increases flood risks for the surrounding communities, posing a direct threat to residents and infrastructure. In a particularly alarming finding in Maria-Gléta, installations were specifically identified within the safety corridor designated for the gas pipeline connecting to the Glo-Djigbé Industrial Zone (GDIZ). This encroachment presents serious safety hazards and regulatory breaches. Overall, the construction sites examined during the control tour presented several irregularities, with the primary and most prevalent issue being the absence of required building permits. This widespread non-compliance prompted authorities to take decisive action, notifying property owners of their violations and demanding rectification.
Enforcement and Future Compliance
The strong enforcement operation was spearheaded by Raphaël Akotegnon, the prefect of Atlantique, who was accompanied by the esteemed mayor of Abomey-Calavi, Nathanaël Koty, and various technical services representatives. This collaborative effort showed the seriousness with which the authorities are approaching these regulatory breaches. Following the detailed inspections, owners of irregular construction sites were formally summoned to the Abomey-Calavi town hall to address their violations and discuss pathways to compliance. Mayor Koty emphatically reiterated the administration's unwavering commitment to upholding legal standards, stating their goal is "to enforce urban planning rules and invited real estate developers, quarry operators, and residents to comply with the texts in force." This clear directive signals a firm intention from authorities to ensure strict adherence to regulations across the board. The call for compliance extends to all involved parties, indicating a broader, sustained push for legal and safe operations throughout the entire commune of Abomey-Calavi.
