RSG To Demolish Properties Close To Pipelines

The Rivers State Government will soon commence the demolition of properties located within 15 radius to pipelines right of way.

The Chairman, Rivers State Committee on Pipelines Right of Way, Mr. Charles George who said this during a stakeholders meeting in Bonny, said that it is illegal for people to site their properties along pipelines right of way.

Mr George said that the government is putting in place measures to ensure that people no longer encroached on oil and gas pipelines right of way, stressing that this has become necessary to avoid a repeat of the Okogbe fire disaster which led to the loss of many lives.

The committee chairman also warned youths against further involvement in illegal oil bunkering and pipeline vandalisation as the situation is dangerous to the environment and urged them to explore the various opportunities provided by the government to improve their condition.

Mr George who is a director in the Ministry of Environment urged the participants to assist the committee carry the message to their various communities with a view to persuading their people to assist the government tackle the issue of environmental pollution in their areas.

The chairman of Bonny local government area, Barrister Edward Pepple said that the council is already campaigning against oil bunkering in the area.

The chairman who was represented by Mr Emmanuel Jumbo, however, urged the state government to come to the aid of councils to check oil bunkering in their areas.

Some of those who spoke during the meeting called for measures to check environmental pollution in the area.