*Task Operating Company On Cleanup, Engagement With Affected Communities
DELTA State Governor, Sheriff Oborevwori, has assured the people of Uzere Kingdom in Isoko South Local Council that his administration will ensure oil companies operating in the area meet their obligations to host communities affected by oil spills and other environmental challenges.
Oborevwori, who gave the assurance on Friday, October 30, during a visit to oil spill sites, said he was able to assess the extent of the damage and obtained first-hand information to guide his government’s engagement with the operating company.
He disclosed that the state government had been monitoring developments in Uzere and other affected communities, including Odidi, through reports from its officials, community leaders and other stakeholders, but considered it necessary to visit the locations personally.
The governor recalled that following a similar incident in Odidi, his government deployed over 100 medical personnel to provide healthcare services to residents, adding that a similar medical intervention would be extended to Uzere.
He directed the Commissioner for Health, Joseph Onojaeme, to ensure that residents of the affected communities received appropriate medical attention, including examinations to establish possible health implications of the incident, adding that the medical outreach would also cover residents of Uzere town.
Oborevwori stated that government had engaged Heritage Energy Operational Services Limited (HEOSL), the operating company, and received explanations on the measures taken to contain the incident, including undertaking preliminary engagements with the host communities before commencing containment and cleanup operations.
While expressing satisfaction that the cleanup exercise was already underway, the governor, however, said the exercise must be followed by appropriate remediation to address the environmental damage, urging the company to sustain its engagement with the communities and ensure their legitimate concerns are addressed.
He cautioned residents against interpreting the time taken to address some of their complaints as lack of commitment by the government, saying due process and established procedures must be followed.
Oborevwori stated: “Delay is not denial. There are procedures and processes, and that is the reason for any delay.
“I am here with the commissioners for Oil and Gas; Environment; Youth Development; and Works (Rural Roads) and Public Information, to see things for ourselves, meet with the host community and engage with the company.”
He commended the people for maintaining peace, despite their grievances, stressing that dialogue remained the most effective means of resolving disputes between host communities and oil companies.
He urged Heritage Energy to cooperate with the host communities and take their concerns seriously, assuring them that his administration would continue to support efforts to secure a fair resolution.
Earlier, the company’s Manager, Government and Community Relations, Jeremiah Oharisi, said his organisation received information about gas build-up at the well on June 27.
Oharisi disclosed that the well had two production strings, known as Lima and Syria, which were shut down in 2019 and 2023, respectively, leaving it inactive before the incident.
He explained that gas accumulated in the reservoir and eventually forced its way to the surface, causing bubbling and the escape of some crude oil.
Oharisi said the company immediately activated emergency response measures, including securing the affected area, sensitising the host community, evacuating residents from the vicinity and deploying fire trucks, as well as initiated efforts to contain and recover the escaping crude.
However, President General of Uzere Kingdom, Edward Onyagbodor, lamented that the company’s intervention had largely been limited to the provision of palliatives of about N10.6million.
Similarly, a former president-general of the Isoko Development Union, Iduh Amadhe, appealled to Oborevwori to prevail on the company to demonstrate greater commitment to the welfare of its 112 host communities, comprising 89 Urhobo, 13 Isoko, six Ijaw and four Itsekiri communities.
