Niger Delta region may trigger epidemic

Irresponsible oil practices in the Niger Delta region of Africa may trigger an epidemic unless authorities take action, according to the Speaker of the Bayelsa State House of Assembly, Honourable Friday Benson Konbowei and reported in The Tribune. 

Incessant gas flaring and oil spills occasioned by exploration activities of multinational oil companies in the Niger Delta region are a grave cause for concern in the African region, where a growing number hazardous waste incidents are posing help risks to the oil producing communities.

Konbowei said that if the growing incidents of oil leaks and other breakdown of operational equipment of oil companies operating in the South-South were not checked, inhabitants of oil bearing communities might be forced to contend with outbreak of chronic diseases.

Nigerian president Goodluck Jonathan was due to visit the Koluama communities to address the issue this week, and Konbowei made comments ahead of his visit to raise concerns over the escalating problem.

Villagers in the region have been battling with the effects of an explosion from a gas well head  belonging to Chevron Oil Company, which has been said to have destroyed many forms of aquatic and marine life.

Published by Claire Manning