Three Weeks After Agbor Incident, Okowa Takes Over Final Approval Of Locations For Gas Stations

The Delta State government has said that approvals for the spatial location and building of petrol/gas and liquefied petroleum gas plants in the state have been suspended.

This decision comes three weeks after an explosion occured in a gas plant at Agbor, headquarters of Ika South Local Government Area that resulted in the death of some persons, while several others were hospitalised for various degrees of burns.

A statement by the Secretary to the State Government, Chiedu Ebie on Friday, said henceforth the state governor, Dr Ifeanyi Okowa will give final approval for applications for spatial location and building of petrol/gas and liquefied petroleum gas plants in the state.

ALSO READ : Local Government Election: Delta NUJ Chairman Spills Fire, Frowns At Nonchalant Attitude Of Chairmanship Aspirants

The statement titled “SUSPENSION OF APPLICATIONS FOR THE SPATIAL LOCATION AND BUILDING (CONSTRUCTION) OF PETROL/GAS STATIONS, LIQUEFIED PETROLEUM/GAS PLANTS IN DELTA STATE” reads in full below:

Following a review of existing processes for the spatial location and building of Petrol/Gas Stations, Liquefied Petroleum/Gas Plants in the State and having considered the imperative for increased safety protocols, His Excellency, Senator Dr Ifeanyi Okowa, Governor of Delta State has approved the suspension of applications for the spatial location and building of petrol/gas stations, liquefied petroleum/ gas plants and other associated businesses in the State.

Consequently, fresh applications pertaining to the spatial location and building of petrol/gas stations, liquefied petroleum/gas plants and associated businesses shall henceforth be subject to a joint certification duly issued by the Ministries of Environment; Lands and Surveys; Oil and Gas as well as the Delta State Fire Service, all of which shall attest to the appropriateness of location including safety considerations for members of the public and users of the facilities. This in turn shall be subject to the approval of His Excellency, the Governor.

This announcement is for the information and strict guidance of all concerned as any breach of this directive will be met with stiff sanctions.