Residents of Ovwian junction in Udu local government area, Delta State have called on Delta State government to save them from the poisonous hydrocarbon substance emanating from a gas company, SEPDON Gas Plant.
The residents who are wondering why despite protests by property owners in the area and firm promises from the Minister of Petroleum Resources and Officials of Delta State Ministry of Urban Development and Planning, SEPDON Gas Plant is going ahead with its construction.
In a statement made exclusively to Fresh Angle by wife of Medical Director of Kwofia Clinic and Maternity, Mrs. Rosemary Oghenekaro on behalf of residents of the 200 square meter area, they pointed out that the area where the gas plant is situated was a residential storey building owned by one late Chief H.O. Alawuru and remained so till late 2012 when it was sold.
Solicitor to Mrs. Rosemary Oghenekaro, Messrs Johnson Mukoro and French Omavuohrere, Barr. Elizabeth Okene explained that the fears of her clients are even more heightened considering the dense population in the area and the possible imminent health hazard the poisonous hydrocarbon emanating from the company may cause any moment from now.
In his response to the development, National Co-ordinator of the Forum for Justice and Human Rights’ Defence, . Oghenejabor Ikimi said the gas plant, petrol filling stations, including the various telecommunication masts scattered along the area poses great danger to human life.
The rights’ activist while stating that the regulatory bodies expected to supervise the activities of these companies are either “inactive or in deep slumber” accused the community leaders of failing to check the anomalies as a result of “royalties paid to them” by the business concerns.
Delta State commissioner for environment, Mr. Frank Omare responded to a text forwarded to his mobile phone on the situation after hours this way, “we are doing something my dear.” Officials of SEPDON Gas Plant could that be reached for comment as at press time.
Source: Fresh Angle