Stop laying pipeline on waters, groups warn Shell

Shell Petroleum Development Company (SPDC) has been warned to desist from laying oil pipelines on the waters, in view of the serious danger it portends to host communities in Bayelsa State.

The Environmental Right Activist/Friends of the Earth (ERA/FON), Comrade Morris Alagoa gave the warning against the backdrop of several oil pipelines laid on the surface of the river in Kolo Creek Community in Ogbia Local Government Area of the state.

He noted that the Kolo Creek had suffered environmental degradation and pollution as a result of oil leakage from surface pipes laid on the rivers and rustic pipes overdue for replacement.

Alagoa said his suggestion  would save them (SPDC) the cost of replacing the rustic pipes as against the millions of naira it spent on carrying  out remediation caused by oil spillage in host communities.

According to him, the pipelines laid on the river is susceptible to rust at a short period because water react fast on iron which would weaken the pipes and allow leakage of oil due to rust.

Alagoa condemned oil multinationals for not engaging stakeholders in the community, stressing that it was not enough interfacing with government at all levels alone, but that the people should be integrated and a proper Environment Impact Assessment (EIA) encouraged to guarantee safety of their hosts.

He said the oil spillage that ravaged Otuokpoti community had not been cleaned, with an adverse multiplier effect on their farmland, as it would not be suitable for farming in the next five years, while many families had been thrown out of their natural occupation of fishing.

He said further that crisis that has engulfed most oil bearing communities could be traced to the ineptitude of SPDC, even when they ought to place premium on the safety of the ecosystem in their area of operation.

Alagoa, therefore reiterated the need for SPDC to swing into action and ensure that pipes laid on the water are removed and laid several

distance from farmlands and residential areas to crisis with the

youths of their host communities.