By Obiabin Onukwugha
A group, Environmental Defenders Network (EDEN), has faulted the decision of a Joint Investigative Team (JIT), to delay the clamping of a gas pipe leakage at a facility belonging to Shell Petroleum Development Company in Kaiama community, Kolokuma/Opokuma local government area of Bayelsa state, till the flooding recedes.
EDEN said irrespective of the flood, Shell ought to mobilise relevant equipment and ensure the sailing leakage and pollution stops.
In a report made available to NatureNews at the weekend, EDEN said its officials received a call from an indigene of Kaiama in Kolokuma/Opokuma local government area of Bayelsa state at about 1pm on Thursday, 24th October, 2024 of an ongoing gas leak along Shell’s EPU 3&4 Bulk Line.
The report demanded for immediate action. It said the EDEN team led by Morris Alagoa promptly responded by visiting the environment of interest.
“Incidentally, Shell and other stakeholders were on ground for Joint Investigation Visit and actually visited the bubbling spot through canoe as the environment was flooded.
“The Joint Investigation Team (JIT), being observed by EDEN, concluded that they can only ascertain exactly what is causing the bubbling or leak after the flood recedes and the spot is excavated to expose the pipe and properly identify what is the situation. Representatives of NOSDRA and Bayelsa State Ministry of Environment and community representatives were part of the JIT including the Community Trust Board Chairman, Barr. Panebi George Inoru.
EDEN visited the spot immediately after the JIT concluded and left the environment. EDEN demands immediate action and not later,” the report read in part.