Pipeline rupture: Reps member urges NPDC to commence remediation work, pay compensation

The member representing Ughelli North, Ughelli South and Udu Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, Rev. Francis Ejiroghene Waive, has called on the Nigerian Petroleum Development Company (NPDC) to immediately commence remediation works over the ruptured Abura crude oil pipeline at Otu-Jeremi Community, Ughelli South Local Government Area, Delta State.

The ruptured pipeline, it will be recalled, sent folks in the community fleeing home as the liquid substance gushed endlessly destroying farmlands, among others.

Waive hence demanded compensation for owners of the farmlands and the community for the devastation caused by the spillage, just as he urged all IOCs in the Niger Delta region to replace all ageing pipelines.

The reps member, who conducted an on-spot assessment of the ruptured pipelines, however, expressed happiness that no life was lost during the incident.

He added that he would liaise with the relevant agency and NPDC to ensure that remediation works were done on the damaged land.

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Waive, who was represented by Engr Paul Abadah one of his aides, noted that the rupture was caused by system and equipment failure.

He dismissed the insinuation that the incident was caused by a third party interference.

He promised to raise the issue before his colleagues in the House of Representatives after resumption.

Meanwhile, a community youth leader simply identified as Mr Oghenetega, said, the rupture threw the community into pandemonium when it occurred last week.

He said the close the brownish smoke /vapour covering the sky and the offensive smell took over the air just their roofs, water tanks, vehicles, crops and others items within about 500 metres around the scene were covered with black and brown oily particles.

Waive, who was accompanied by NPDC staff, owners of the pipeline and other Otu-Jeremi Community executive, assured residents of the affected community possible compensation.