Management of the Nigerian Gas Company, NGC, has kick-started the
process of fixing the gas pipeline that exploded at Ugbokodo community
in Okpe Local Government Area of Delta State.
It has been reported that an indigenous company, NANPIST Venture, was
on ground clearing the affected area for proper assessment and
evaluation of the damaged caused.
An Official of NANPIST, Kingsley Onaipia noted that he was on site at
the instance of NGC, stressing that excavation was being carried out to
enable NGC Management ascertain the level of damage before real work
will commence.
Reacting to the developmet,the Ugbokodo-Okpe community said that they
have no problem with NGC in her bid to restore the damaged pipeline.
They, however, expressed dissatisfaction over the steps taken, saying
that, “NGC did not officially consult the community before mobilizing
to site for work.”
Ugbokodo-Okpe community Spokesman,Mr. Tobore Adjisha in a chat with
newsmen stated that the gas pipeline explosion caused serious damage in
the community, adding that they are still in shock as a result of the
panic caused by the ugly incident.
Adjisha who emphasised that no life was lost from the incident that
forced many to scamper for safety in such an odd hour, noted that their
major concern was for the gas pipeline to be fixed with appropriate
compensation paid to his community.
According to him,“The extent of damage was much. You saw the extent
of the flame of the fire inside the creek, both the mangrroves and other
things were damaged. Both nets, fishing boats, were consumed by the
fire.”
“NGC has come to see us. They promised to come back after they had
ascertained the extent of the damage. But we are not satisfied with the
step they have taken so far. We are not happy because they didn’t tell
us before they mobilized to site.”
While assuring the management of NGC of their readiness to dialogue
towards amicable settlement and compensation, Adjisha disclosed that as a
peace loving community, they will provide the convivial atmosphere for
peaceful negotiation.