Gas Emission Hazardous To Health – Okaye
The Commissioner for Chieftaincy and Community Affairs, Charles Okaye has described the gas eruption at Egita Community Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni Local Government Area, as hazardous unacceptable to human health.
Hon. Okaye who visited the scene of the explosion wondered why Total E&P Limited, the company drilling gas at the area could not do anything to stop the volume of gas emission from the ground which polluted the environment.
The Commissioner assured the people of the area that Government would try its best in ensuring that drugs are provided in respect of the health risk associated with the pollution.
He said his ministry whose function it is to seek the welfare, peace and unity of Communities in Rivers State would channel their problems and needs to the appropriate quarters so that compensation will be worked out, adding that Government would also undertake environmental aspect of the problem.
The Community Development Committee, CDC, Secretary, Ernest Jockiel while narrating the incidence, lamented that up till the time of this report the company has not provided any solution to stop the gas quake.
According to him, diversion of drilling started when the company decided to rub the people of Egita of what God has given to them by drilling the gas in the Community from another place.
Mr. Jockiel called on Government to prevail on the company to explain to the people of Egita what has happened to their land as their women can no longer farm in the area.
He, on behalf of His Royal Highness, Chief Israel Obunwa and the people of Egita appealed for relief materials such as drugs, portable water etc from Government.