The American Oil giant, Chevron, is yet to put off the inferno that engulped its facilities at Funniwa Oil Field in Brass Local Governent Area of Bayelsa State, two weeks after the inciddent.

While the incident is taking its toll on social and economic lives of the residents of the affected communities  the company appears to be comfortable in arranging cash and materials to some influential people in the area in order to down play its danger while correspondents of five national newspapers have been contracted to write stories and features articles favourable to the company with promise of giving “good public relations” packages commensurate with their write-ups.

While this ding dong affairs are going on, the impacted communities of Koluama clan are faced with eminent outbreak of epedimic disease, a result of intensive heat, pollution of their environment and regular contact of rotten acquatic animals and fishes.

Piqued by the non- challant attitude of the company and relunctance to put off the fire, the Acting Governor of the State, Chief Nestor Binabo who visited the community on Tuesday, called for immediate remedy to address the situation.

Chief Binabo directed chevron to take immediate step towards paying compensation to the people.  Addressing the chiefs, elders and people of Akassa, one of the impacted communitiecs, the Acting Governor expressed concern over the devastation caused by the gas explosion, saying that it has caused grave health hazard and degradation to the ecosystem.

Chief Binabo said, since the incident occurred, Chevron had failed to demonstrate its social and corporate responsibility to the impacted communities as the explosion was as a result of the company’s negligence, stating that if something is not done to alleviate the plight of the people, government would seek redress through every available legal means.

He promised that government on its part, would send relief materials and a team of medical personnel as soon as possible towards providing succour to the people of the impacted communities and commended them for their peaceful conduct over the matter. Chief Binabo urged the people to continue to maintain the peace and be law- abiding.

Also Speaking, the Secretary to State Government, Prof  Millionaire Abowei explained that the purpose of the visit was to enable government have a first-hand knowledge of the level of devastation caused by the explosion as well as to find out how the people were coping.

The Secretary to the Akassa Council of Chiefs, Chief Baralaye Kuleha expressed appreciation to the Acting Governor and his entourage for identifying with them, adding that over 25 communities and settlements were impacted by the gas explosion in Akassa and that the operations of Chevron, had affected their health as well as the ecosystem.