BY John Odhe, YENAGOA
The Niger Delta Development and Monitoring Group (NIDDEMOG) has implored the Federal Government to urgently deploy the Ecological Funds to save the Eraskon Lubricants and Chemical Blending Plant in Bayelsa State from being totally destroyed by erosion.
The call is coming amidst several outcries from different quarters urging the federal government to act fast in finding lasting solution to the shoreline erosion threatening the Multi-billion naira employment spinner project.
A delegation of NIDDEMOG led by its Executive Director, Chief Nengi James -Eriworio, visited the facility to assess the extent of the damage caused by persistent coastal erosion and its implications for the host community.
James described shoreline erosion as one of the most pressing environmental challenges confronting communities across the Niger Delta, mentioning that Anibeze, Abare and some other communities in Bayelsa State had almost been eroded by erosion.
He warned that the continued degradation of the coastlines posed a serious threat to critical infrastructure, investments and livelihoods.
The NIDDEMOG leader said the situation at the Eraskon lubricants and chemical blending plant underscored the need for coordinated action by all levels of government to protect vulnerable communities and strategic economic assets.
James also commended the House of Representatives for drawing national attention to the environmental emergency through a motion urging the federal government to intervene.
He specifically praised the member representing Yenagoa/Kolokuma/Opokuma Federal Constituency, Oboku Oforji, for raising the matter on the floor of the house and bringing the plight of the Eraskon project and the adjoining Gbarain community to the attention of the federal fovernment.
According to him, the legislative intervention has provided an opportunity for the authorities to respond before the erosion causes irreversible damage.
He appealed to the federal and Bayelsa State governments, the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) and other relevant agencies to urgently deploy ecological intervention funds to protect the shoreline and safeguard the facility.
According to him, urgent intervention is critical as the plant when fully completed and operational would not only create employment but also improve revenue for the government
He warned that if immediate remedial measures were not taken, the advancing erosion could jeopardise the part of which had already been eroded.
The group leader said non completion of the project would worsen the socio-economic conditions of residents whose livelihoods depend largely on the surrounding riverine environment.
James stressed that timely intervention would not only preserve a key industrial investment but also protect the lives, environment and economic future of the Gbarain community.
It will be recalled that the Executive Director of NIDDEMOG, James, had carried out extensive advocacy on coastal erosion and in the Niger Delta over the years and has published a book on ‘Oceanification,’ highlighting the menace of erosion and environmental disasters in the Niger Delta region.
