*Bayelsa community allegedly impacted by Chevron gas rig fire
14 February 2012, Sweetcrude, Abuja – Finally, Minister of Petroleum Resources, Mrs. Diezani Alison-Madueke will this weekend embark on an assessment tour of the Koluama community allegedly impacted by the explosion and subsequent fire from the Funiwa 5 gas platform on the Koluama River in Southern Ijaw Local Government Area of Bayelsa state.
The drilling rig, KS Endeavour was being operated by Chevron Nigeria Limited.
Group General Manager, Group Public Affairs of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation, NNPC, Dr. Levi Ajuonuma quoted Mrs. Alison-Madueke as saying that the visit would enable the Federal Government to have an on the spot assessment of the situation of the gas leak site.
“In view of the likely environmental impact that may arise from the continuing fire, the Honorable Minister has also invited the Management of Chevron Nigeria Limited to be part of this important visit,” Dr. Ajuonuma intoned.
It is also envisaged that the Minister would use the visit to appraise the impact of the incident on the adjoining communities in line with the Federal Government’s readiness to address the issues of environmental pollution wrought by the exploration and exploitation of oil and gas resources especially in the Niger Delta region.
