Imo Assembly kicks against proliferation,siting of gas plants in residential Areas.

By Vivian Asika
Sequel to the adoption of the motion sponsored by the member for Isiala Mbano State Constituency, Hon Samuel Ikechukwu Osuji, the Imo State House of Assembly has demanded closure of cooking gas plants and local retail outlets located within residential areas in the state to save lives and property.

The House in it’s resolution, urged the Executive Governor of Imo State, Distinguished Senator Hope Uzodinma, to urgently direct the Ministries of Environment and Petroleum as well as Owerri Capital Development Authority (OCDA) to investigate the gas plants and local retail outlets across the state in order to seal the closely and dangerously located ones in residential areas to avert loss of lives and property of residents to gas explosions.

Moving the motion during plenary on Thursday, 4th July, 2024, Osuji expressed genuine concern over loss of lives and property of Imolites to gas explosions occasioned by indiscriminate location of gas plants in residential areas.

The Chairman, House Committee on Environment, noted with dismay, that the operators of the business dispense their products 50kg cylinder to their customers who come with 12.5, 7. 5 and 5kg cooking gas cylinders in almost all the streets and comers of the state particularly Owerri, the state capital.

He called for quick and timely intervention of the Imo State Government under the eagle eyes of Senator Hope Uzodinma in order save and preserve lives and property of Imo indigenes and those of residents of the state.

The Amaraku born lawmaker described the situation as alarming, deplorable and despicable, noting that the scenario makes Imolites seem like people sitting on a time born that could explode at anytime.

The well received motion was co-sponsored by the Deputy Speaker of the House and member for Nwangele State Constituency, Rt. Hon. Amara Chyna Iwuanyanwu, the House Majority Leader and member for Owerri West, Hon. Kanayo Onyemaechi, Hon Chigozie Nwaneri representing Oru East State Constituency and 10 other lawmakers.