Deputy Governor of Rivers State, IPALIBO HARRY-BANIGO who made the plea during a consultative meeting on Modular Refineries with the CDC Chairmen and Secretaries from the twenty-three Local Government Areas Port Harcourt said the appeal became necessary in view of the fact that the issue of black soot concerns everybody.
HARRY-BANIGO said the negative effect of Modular Refineries on the environment was becoming too dangerous, noting that it is a matter that could kill many people if we do not take necessary actions to stop it.
According to the Deputy Governor in a statement by the Head of Press Unit OWUPELE BENEBO said a scientific examination of the some particles of the soot shows that those particles are very dangerous to human health, plants and animals and can cause cancer and damage to virtually all the organs of the body like the lungs, heart, the kidneys and the skin.
The Deputy Governor noted that one of the major causes of soot is artisanal refining of crude oil which is popularly known as Kpo Fire just as she informed the CDC members that the State Government under the leadership of Governor NYESOM WIKe is committed to put an end to this problem by providing a better alternative to the People in the form of modular refineries.
In his remarks the State Commissioner for Environment IgbiksTamuno said the effects of the soot are seen everywhere, expressed worry that while some artisanal refinery operators smile to the banks majority of Rivers people are suffering from the illegal activities of a few, warning that the State Government is determined to put an end to this.
Also Speaking the State Commissioner for Energy and Natural Resources PETER MEDEE informed the CDC members that they were not invited to be accused but to partner with the State Government to proffer a lasting solution to the soot problem plaguing the State.
