Mkpoikana UdomaPort Harcourt — A gas leak from the Shell Petroleum Development Company of Nigeria Limited, SPDC-operated EPU 3&4 bulk line has sparked panic in Kaiama community, Kolokuma/Opokuma Local Government Area of Bayelsa State.
Locals say the leak became noticeable last Thursday, as gas fumes have covered the surrounding environment, amidst the flooding in the area.
The cause of the leak is yet to be ascertained as a Joint Investigative Visit, JIV, to the facility remained inconclusive.
The JIV team, which accessed the bubbling spot by canoe as the area was flooded, concluded that the exact cause of the leak can only be ascertained after the flood recedes, when the spot would be excavated to expose the pipe for proper determination of the situation.
The JIV team include officials of NOSDRA, Shell, Bayelsa State Ministry of Environment and community representatives, including the HCDT Board Chairman, Mr Panebi George Inoru.
Meanwhile, the gas leak has raised concerns among stakeholders, who fear potential health and environmental hazards.
The Deputy Executive Director of Environmental Defenders Network, EDEN, Mr Morris Alagoa, who also visited the site demanded immediate action from Shell.
Alagoa said: “Irrespective of the flood, Shell ought to mobilise relevant equipment and ensure the gas leakage and pollution stops:”
“If this happened in the middle of River Nun (because the gas pipeline runs across the Nun River), would they (Shell) wait until the River dries up before doing the needful?” EDEN queried.
