The Rivers State Commissioner for Environment, Hon Kingsley Chinda, had inaugurates a committee that would ensure preservation of oil pipeline right of way, in order to safeguard lives and properties of the people.

Inaugurating the committee in his office last. Thursday, Chinda disclosed that the move to set up the committee was proactive measure to checkmate possible accidents that could claim lives.

He noted with regrets that quite a good number of people do not know the hazard involved in building and doing business around the oil pipelines, and urged the newly constituted committee to use up  the occasion in ensuring that such practice is put to a stop to avoid loss of lives.

The environment boss charged the committee to quickly swing into action towards ensuring that no one is found contravening the oil pipeline right of way.

He also enjoined the committee to carry the message to the grassroots by sensitising members of the public more on the dangers of building and doing business around the oil pipeline.

As a ministry that lays much emphasis on clean environment and also a government that cares for the plight of its citizenry, behooves on us to take proactive steps when things are beginning to go wrong, she said.

The committee which has a deputy director in the department of environment, Mr Charles George as Chairman, comprises representatives drawn from the state and private sector, particularly the facility owners.