By Bisola Adeyemo
Angry women and youths from difference communities in Gbaramatu Kingdom in Delta State took over the Otunana and Abiteye flow station owned by American oil giant, Chevron Nigeria Limited (CNL), over neglecting the oil spill at the company’s flow facility in the area
It was reported that the spill occurred over three weeks ago in the areas and had allegedly spread to several communities in Gbaramatu Kingdom unattended to by the company involved
But this development, sources said had forced many of the residents to abandon their houses while some are reportedly admitted into various hospitals for treatment following the alleged negligence by CNL to attend to the spill issues.
However, Chevron has reiterated its commitment to continuously conduct Environmental Impact Assessments (EIA) and Environmental Evaluation studies of its operations, according to daily times reports.
The move, according to CNL, is aimed at ensuring that potential environmental risks are identified and where necessary mitigated in accordance with environmental performance standards and industry best practices.
Fiyewei of Gbaramatu Kingdom said that the people of the area had been bearing the neglect of the oil spill by Chevron facilities for weeks.
He said that the protesting women including youths had vowed to keep occupying the facilities until their demands for remediation were met, adding that, “The women have vowed to keep occupying both the Otunana and Abiteye flow stations until their demands are met.
They will not be cowed or chased away without working solutions.”
Accordingly, the Gbaramatu people are demanding for the immediate clean up exercise of the oil spillage and remedial actions for the destruction of their sources of livelihood, adding that the demands of the protesters included the physical presence of the Managing Director ( MD ) of Chevron to address the protesters.
Genekama however said that the demands that Chevron’s MD should be physically present at the protest site stemmed from the need to ensure honesty and transparency in the discussions and to ensure that words would be followed by actions.
“They are also demanding for the provision of drugs and food items for those who have fallen sick due to their negligence and everybody who has been unable to pursue their economic activities because of the oil spillage.”
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He said that for three weeks now no
response either from Chevron Delta State or the Federal
Government over the spillage, adding that “We hereby use this medium to cry out to government at all levels as well as other well meaning individuals and organisations that they should prevail on Chevron Nigeria Limited to do the right thing regarding these oil economic activities in the Kingdom for over three weeks.”
Genekama said that the need to inform the public became necessary to avert break down of law and order in the area which he said is currently tensed following the failure of Chevron to address the demands of the people
However, in a statement, Mr. Esimaje Brikinn, General Manager, Policy, Government and Public Affairs, CNL noted that it was aware of a report in the media and some communities about an alleged oil spill from Abiteye, Makaraba and Utonana Fields in CNL’s western area of operations, Warri South West Local Government Area of Delta State.
According to the statement, CNL has carried out an investigation and will continue to survey its Assets in the Abiteye and Utonana Fields including the 16” Makaraba-Utonana-Abiteye Right of Way (ROW).
This, the statement added is to enable it confirm whether there has not been any indication that the oil seen on water is from its Assets in Abiteye, Makaraba and Utonana fields or from any other
CNL facilities as alleged.
“We take incidents of oil spill
seriously. Our surveillance programme is an ongoing exercise engrained in our processes; and we respond to every report of a spill by following established industry regulatory processes, including engagements with communities and regulators, and Joint Investigation Visits (JIV), to determine source, cause and impact of such spills.
“These are ongoing in the current case,” Brikinn said.
He added that after the initial report of an alleged spill in the area, CNL conducted an overflight of the area with the regulators, Department of Petroleum Resources and National Oil Spill Detection and Response Agency, and it was confirmed that there has been no spill emanating from any CNL’s assets in the area.
“We continue to engage the communities and communicate our findings concerning the alleged spill to the leadership of the community stakeholders.
“CNL operates in strict compliance with relevant laws and regulations governing the Nigerian petroleum industry and remains committed to the protection of people and the environment.
We will continue to conduct our operations reliably and efficiently, with utmost consideration for environmental protection,” he added.
