FG Promises Relief, Lasting Fix For Rivers Bille Gas Seepage

The Federal Government has promised immediate relief and a permanent solution for Bille Community in Degema Local Government Area of Rivers State after a persistent gas seepage raised health and environmental concerns.

A delegation led by the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Gas), Ekperikpe Ekpo, visited the community with officials of the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission and representatives of the Rivers State Government.

NUPRC’s preliminary assessment found that the first aquifer in the community had been contaminated after nearly a year of toxic gas seepage. The regulator promised potable water while work continues on a longer-term remedy.

Ekpo said investigation into the source of the leak was ongoing and that the government would provide relief materials, medical outreach and updates to residents. The Chairman of the Bille Council of Chiefs, Alabo Okpokia Dokubo, urged officials to turn the promises into quick action.

Sources: Vanguard, Premium Times, Punch