Hon. Unyime Idem recently visited the site of a ruptured gas pipeline owned by Savannah Energy, located between Ikot Ukpong and Ikot Inyang Abia Villages in Ukanafun Local Government Area. During his visit, he highlighted the lack of surveillance on the gas facility and urged the National Oil Spill Detection and Response Agency (NOSDRA) and the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) to enhance oversight of oil companies in Akwa Ibom State and the Niger Delta region.
Idem who is the chairman house committee on public procurement in the house of representatives Abuja, called for Savannah Energy to immediately initiate surveillance of their infrastructure, assess the environmental impact on the affected villages, and address the emissions promptly. He emphasized the need for routine checks to prevent future failures and to ensure adherence to environmental safety standards.
Regarding compensation, Idem stressed that Savannah Energy must establish an adequate compensation structure and health plan for those impacted by the gas emission. He also urged the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) to provide relief materials to the affected communities to mitigate the impact of the emission.
Idem advised residents to avoid the affected areas due to health and environmental hazards, and promised to pursue legislative actions to ensure that the affected communities receive the necessary support.
Chief Ndianabasi Monday Offong, the village head of Ikot Ukpong, expressed gratitude for Idem’s visit and requested the extension of the solar-powered street light project to their village, as well as increased inclusion of local youths in the empowerment program. Idem assured him that these requests would be addressed in the next phase of the respective programs.