Mkpoikana Udoma
Port Harcourt — The Nigerian Institution of Environmental Engineers has expressed concerns over the persisting soot in the atmosphere in Port Harcourt.
Outgone Chairman of the Association in Port Harcourt, Prof. Josiah Ayotamuno, called for an end to air pollution in Port Harcourt, as residents have the right to a clean atmosphere.
Ayotamuno frowned at the process of setting ablaze crude oil seized from artisanal refiners, by security operatives, and thereby further polluting the environment.
He said there must be a collaboration with the academia, on how to tackle the environmental menace in region.
“Port Harcourt environment needs to be cleaned up properly, so that we all can live a healthy life.
“On the issue of artisanal refining, the government must find a way of tackling it properly, so that in the process of stopping illegal refinery, they don’t just set ablaze stolen crude and further polluting the environment.
“The technology for improving the process has to be developed by the university and other institutions.”
Also speaking, a Former Vice Chancellor of University of Port Harcourt, Prof Joseph Ajienka, called for collaboration between oil firms and the academia in the disposal and treatment of crude oil waste to save the environment.