Commissioner Explains Environmental Impact Of Generators

Anambra Commissioner for Environment, Dr Mike Egbebike says that the health implications of the gaseous emissions from generator are devasting but users are helpless because of the inadequacy of electricity supply in the country.

“We cannot stop people (traders) from buying their individual generating sets; it would be difficult to bring them together to buy just one gigantic generating plant to serve the market.

“I would urge people to buy generating sets that emit little fumes. If their sets are faulty and are emitting so many fumes; they should repair them for the sake of their health.

He further advises that the exhaust pipes of the generators should be positioned in directions that would not cause inconveniences to neighbours.

Vice-Chairman, Tools and Allied Products Dealers Chief Sylvester Ahanonu, Market in Onitsha, says that a plan to purchase a giant generator, to serve the entire market was one of the cards on the table for the market’s executive.

“The market executive has been weighing the option of having a single gigantic generating plant in 2012. In fact, we are considering it if there is no clear-cut improvement in electric supply.

“It would reduce money spent on fuel daily by our members and put a stop to these emissions from thousands of generating sets in the market presently,’’ he says.

On its part, the Anambra government is partnering with an engineering firm to supply uninterrupted electricity to markets in Onitsha, through the use of gigantic diesel plants, to eliminate the multiplicity of individual generators in the markets.

Special Adviser to Gov. Peter Obi on Parks and Markets, Chief Sylvester Nwaobu-Alor, says that the company has commenced feasibility studies and environmental impact assessment of the project to enable its actualisation.

He would not provide further details but simply insists: “Before the first quarter of 2012, you will certainly see signs of work going on at the proposed sites for the generators.

“The government will provide an enabling environment for the company and encourage traders to pay for services rendered. The project will ensure a 24-hour uninterrupted power supply,’’ he assures.

With the life expectancy the Nigerian dropping from 52 to 49 years, the challenge to tackle health risks such as toxic fume inhalation, therefore, becomes a challenge for everyone.

No doubt, the initiatives being explored by the Anambra government and the market organizations are salutary as they will significantly reduce the health risks of the citizens, who daily go to their shops to earn a living.