The Egi People’s Assembly has called on the Total E&P operating in the Egi community of Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni Local government Area to work out modalities that will lead to a Community Environmental Management Plan CEMP, as stated in the Egi, Total agreement.
President-General of the Egi People’s Assembly, Chief Oris Onyiri made the call during a sympathy visit of the Managing Director of Total E&P, Mr. Guy Maurice over the flood disaster in Egi Land, Rivers State.
Chief Onyiri also stated that the Total E&P flow station located on a vital wetland of the community with its recent acquisition and expansion for the OML58 projects upgrade have resulted in alteration of natural terrains and waterway which the speed of the flood has proved.
He also urged the Total M.D to expedite action on negotiations concerning the gas blow-out at all levels to avoid unnecessary bickering and misrepresentations of issues by various interest groups.
In response, Managing Director, Total E&P, Guy Maurice reiterated the company’s full commitment to the resolution of the gas blow-out adding that a team has been set up to evaluate the impact of the flood menace in the various communities affected and come up with a palliative that the company will use to assist victims.
The Total boss also restated that the company will always take proactive steps in empathizing with the Egi people especially at this moment of grief and distress.
It will be recalled that last week, some Egi communities witnessed massive flooding. The worst hit communities are Ogbogu, Obagi, Oboburu, Akabuka, Obigbor and Ohali-Elu. The flood came suddenly and submerged thousands of homes and property worth millions of naira, displacing thousands of people and destroying farm lands, fish farms and vital community livelihoods.
As at the time of filing this report, our correspondent who went round the submerged communities reports that more streets and houses are being covered by the flood leaving more residents relocating to other communities and makeshift homes.
Some affected residents told our correspondent that this kind of flood has not been witnessed before by the community, they described the flood as an evil omen and a disaster.
