By Desmond Ejibas
Gokana – The House of Representatives Committee on Host Communities says it will support the Hydrocarbon Pollution Remediation Project (HYPREP) to speed up the ongoing clean-up of oil impacted Ogoni communities.
Dumnamne Deekor, the committee’s Chairman, gave the assurance on Wednesday when he led members on an oversight visit and inspection of clean-up sites in Gokana Local Government Area of Rivers.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) recalls that President Muhammadu Buhari launched the clean-up project in 2016.
Deekor, who also led committee members to clean-up sites in Khana and Tai Local Government Areas, said the visit afforded lawmakers to acquire first hand information on the ongoing remediation.
“We have heard some negative and positive things about the ongoing project, hence our coming here to see the projects that are ongoing at the clean-up sites.
“We have come to make sure that this project succeeds, and also assure that we will do everything within our legislative powers to make sure things are done right.
The lawmaker pointed out that early completion of the remediation was important, so that attention could be given to other polluted areas in the Niger Delta.
“The committee will do everything humanly and legislatively possible, so that in the long run, Ogonis and Nigerians will be happy over their better environment.
“So, we will work with HYPREP and do everything to support the clean-up agency to make sure that this project succeeds,” Deekor assured.
The Chairman of Gokana Local Government Area, Confidence Deekor pointed out that the area was the worst hit polluted area in Ogoniland.
According to him, the pollution had made life difficult for the people as their source of livelihoods and health had been negatively impacted.
“So, we are happy with your visit and willing to give the cooperation that is necessary to enable us to achieve more,” he said.
On his part, Prof. Philips Shekwolo, the Overseer of HYPREP Project Coordinating Office, said the agency had made progress in every aspect of the remediation project.
He listed the milestones to include provision of portable water as well as livelihoods restoration and skill acquisition training for Ogoni youths.
On setting up a Centre of Excellence, the HYPREP boss assured that construction of the centre would commence as soon as the agency gets approval.
“I have no doubt that with the support of the people of Ogoni that definitely we will get to where we ought to be.
“So, I am happy that committee members have seen events for themselves and given us the support that we need,” Shekwolo noted. (NAN)
