Kpofire: Commissioner Raises Alarm Over Rise In Lung Cancer

The Rivers State Commissioner for Environment, Dr Igbiks Tamuno, has raised alarm over the increasing cases of lung and asthma diseases in the state following the proliferations of artisenal refineries (Kpofire) on the state.
Dr Tamuno who said this at a stakeholders meeting in modular refineries in Port Harcourt also said more cases of cancer will be recorded in the years to come.
He said government cannot close its eyes while people are dying, adding that the meeting was not to threaten anyone, but to provide a viable alternative that will be good for all.
The Commissioner said the environmental challenges associated with Kpofire is enormous, adding that seven million people cannot continue to suffer from the activities of less than 2,000 persons.
He also said artisenal refineries business is common in 14 Local Government Areas out of the 23 Local Government Areas.
Also speaking, the Commissioner for Energy and Natural Resources, Dr Peter Medee said, his ministry was willing to partner with those involved in illegal refineries to legalise their operations.
Dr Medee also told stakeholders at the meeting to inform their people of the commitment by the government to end Kpofire business in the state.
Meanwhile, Chairman, Community Development Committee (CDC), Bile, Dr Isaac Somiari, has called for legal framework on modular refineries.
Speaking at the meeting, Dr Harry also called for mass participation in the programme.