President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan today assured members of the Koluoma community in Bayelsa State and adjoining villages affected by the gas explosion at a Chevron gas exploration well in January, that the Federal Government will provide more relief materials to alleviate the hardship suffered by the people resulting from impact of the explosion.
The President said government was keen on addressing environmental issues and their attendant ecological impact across sections of the country.
The President promised the communities that the Nigeria Emergency Management Agency(NEMA) will facilitate the deployment of more relief materials to them. He commended them for showing restraint, tact and discipline in the way and manner they have channeled their grievances and assured them that government will do its best to address their complaints.
The President said government was keen on addressing environmental issues and their attendant ecological impact across sections of the country.
The President promised the communities that the Nigeria Emergency Management Agency(NEMA) will facilitate the deployment of more relief materials to them. He commended them for showing restraint, tact and discipline in the way and manner they have channeled their grievances and assured them that government will do its best to address their complaints.
President Jonathan also enjoined Chevron to provide more relief materials and other sundry relief items to the people.
He urged oil companies operating in the country to undertake the training of personnel, especially residents of communities within their operational base as part of its compensation and corporate responsibility to the people.
Bayelsa State Governor, Seriake Dickson said the state has been exposed to risk due to activities of oil companies operating within its communities and asked that the companies learn to respect their environment in order to ensure the preservation of the nation’s ecological system.
He disclosed that his administration has set up legal and technical committees to harmonise assessment reports conducted.
Speaking on behalf of the communities, former Bayelsa State House of Assembly member, Hon. Ayaowei listed the problems facing the people resulting from the gas explosion to include inability to continue with their fishing businesses, lack of portable drinking water, medical care and electricity as well as lack of access roads to link the communities.
Chevron Managing Director, Andrew Fawthrop while regretting the incident, promised that the company will commence community and medical development works within in the communities soon.
He urged oil companies operating in the country to undertake the training of personnel, especially residents of communities within their operational base as part of its compensation and corporate responsibility to the people.
Bayelsa State Governor, Seriake Dickson said the state has been exposed to risk due to activities of oil companies operating within its communities and asked that the companies learn to respect their environment in order to ensure the preservation of the nation’s ecological system.
He disclosed that his administration has set up legal and technical committees to harmonise assessment reports conducted.
Speaking on behalf of the communities, former Bayelsa State House of Assembly member, Hon. Ayaowei listed the problems facing the people resulting from the gas explosion to include inability to continue with their fishing businesses, lack of portable drinking water, medical care and electricity as well as lack of access roads to link the communities.
Chevron Managing Director, Andrew Fawthrop while regretting the incident, promised that the company will commence community and medical development works within in the communities soon.
President Jonathan was accompanied to Koluama by Bayelsa State Governor, Hon. Seriake Dickson, Ministers of Petroleum, Deziani Allison-Madueke, Environment, Hadiza Malaifia and Niger-Delta, Elder Godsday Orubebe and was warmly received by the elated community members including traditional rulers, youth, school pupils and students.
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Eno Olotu (Mrs) For: Special Adviser to the President(Media) 27-2-12
