By Polycarp Nwaeke
The Petroleum Regulatory Commission says preliminary investigations into the Bille gas spill have shown that one of the community’s underground water sources has been contaminated.
Speaking during a visit to the community, the Commission’s Chief Executive, Gbenga Komolafe, represented by the Executive Commissioner for Health, Safety, Environment and Community, Ejino Onyeso, said a careful scientific investigation is underway to determine the exact source of the gas leak.
According to her, although preliminary investigations have been concluded, the commission is taking its time to avoid creating further hazards before any intervention.
She disclosed that an international company has been engaged to carry out detailed scientific studies, with fieldwork expected to begin before the end of July.
She added that experts from across the oil and gas industry have also been mobilised to support the investigation.
Onyeso assured residents that while efforts continue to identify and address the cause of the contamination, clean drinking water will be provided as quickly as possible to reduce the impact on the affected community.
In a related development, residents of Woji and Trans Amadi have expressed concern over the persistent flooding that follows heavy rainfall in their communities.
The residents said floodwaters frequently enter their homes, making life uncomfortable and disrupting businesses and other daily activities.
They also complained that the floods often bring dangerous insects and reptiles into their homes.
They appealed to the government to repair and maintain drainage systems across the affected areas to ensure the free flow of water.
They also urged the Rivers State Waste Management Agency to enforce proper waste disposal and prevent people from dumping refuse into drains, noting that blocked gutters are a major cause of the flooding. One resident said the situation has become unbearable and warned that if urgent action is not taken, many homes could eventually be submerged, leaving families homeless. He appealed to the state and local governments to intervene before the situation worsens.
