Anambra Legislators call for security measures before approving sites for installation of Liquified Petroleum Gas stations
By Anastasia Agunwa/Chizoba Okeke/Gloria Abugu
The Anambra State House of Assembly has called on Gov. Charles Soludo to direct the Commissioner for Petroleum and Mineral Resources as well as other relevant agencies to ensure that security of lives and property were considered before approving sites for installation of Liquified Petroleum Gas(LPG cooking gas) stations across the state.
Also, to review existing LPG stations being indiscriminately installed at the residential areas of the state.
The House resolution was sequel to a motion moved by the member representing Anaocha II constituency, Mr. Ejike Okechukwu and seconded by Mr. Chukwuebuka Igwe representing Idemili South constituency during plenary on August 17.
The Speaker of the House, Mr. Somtochukwu Udeze who presided over the plenary had moved for the resolution of the House while the lawmakers unanimously adopted it through voice votes.
Speaking on the motion, Mr. Okechukwu expressed worries that most of the investors do not comply with security and safety measures while installing the LPG stations, thereby endangering the lives and property of Ndi Anambra.
According to him, I'm aware that the demand for LPG has been drastically on the rise due to the high cost of kerosene, investors of all kinds now develop interest in establishing LPG stations across the state.
Okechukwu expressed concern that if proper regulatory measures were not taken by the state government, the resultant effect in case of emergency might be catastrophic, cataclysmic, calamitous and disastrous.
He posited that investors should site LPG stations at the industrial layouts where people could purchase cooking gas to ensure safety of lives.
The lawmakers that spoke in favour of the motion are Jude Ngobili representing Ihiala I constiuency, Mr. Golden Iloh representing Ihiala II, Ikenna Ofodeme representing Ekwusigo and Jude Umennajiego representing Onitsha South II constituency.
Others include Paul Obu representing Orumba North constituency, Anthony Muobike representing Aguata II, Obi Nweke representing Anambra East and Azubuike Udemezue representing Idemili North constituency.
They described the motion as life saving, adding that it was because of the destruction the LPG had caused in the state.
According to the Lawmakers, siting of gas plants should be away from where people live to safeguard the lives of Ndi Anambra in situation of fire outbreak.
While noting that most LPG stations do not have water sprayer that controls the gas temperature, they said that government should dislodge those gas plants very near to peoples' houses to save lives.(MOI)
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