NGPTC Begins Excavation Work To Ascertain Level Of Damage On Ugbokodo Segment Of Gas Pipeline

The Nigerian Gas Processing and Transportation Company, (NGPTC) formerly Nigerian Gas Company (NGC) has commenced work to ascertain the level of damage on the Ugbokodo segment of the Escravos-Lagos Pipeline System.

Already, the Management of NGPTC, a subsidiary of Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) have engaged an indigenous company, NANPIST Venture to commence clearing of the affected area for proper assessment and evaluation of the damaged caused.

BigPen Online recalls that contrary to earlier claims that the explosion caused lost of lives, the incident which occurred at the creek of Ugbokodo Community in Okpe Local Government Area of Delta State did not cause any casualty.

The Group General Manager, Group Public Affairs Division of NNPC, Ndu Ughamadu, had earlier disclosed in a statement in Abuja, that the fresh fire incident that engulfed a segment of the Escravos-Lagos Pipeline System (ELPS) did not affect the routine gas supply for power generation in the country.

BigPen Online correspondent who visited the scene of the gas pipeline explosion which took place in the early hours of Thursday, January 11, 2018, authoritatively report that an indigenous company, NANPIST Venture, was on ground clearing the affected area for proper assessment and evaluation of the damaged caused.

An Official of NANPIST, Kingsley Onaipia noted that he was on site at the instance of NGPTC, stressing that excavation was being carried out to enable NGPTC Management ascertain the level of damage before real work will commence.

Meanwhile, the Ugbokodo-Okpe Community, has said that they have no problem with NGPTC in her bid to restore the damaged pipeline.

They however, expressed dissatisfaction over the steps taken, saying that, “NGPTC did not officially consult the Community before mobilizing to site for work.”

Ugbokodo-Okpe Community Spokesman, Mr. Tobore Ajisha in a chat with newsmen stated that the gas pipeline explosion caused serious damage in the Community, adding that they are still in shock as a result of the panic caused by the ugly incident.

Mr. Ajisha who emphasised that no life was lost from the incident that forced many to scamper for safety in such an odd hour, noting that their major concern was for the gas pipeline to be fixed with appropriate compensation paid to his community.

“The extent of damage was much. You saw the extent of the flame of the fire inside the creek, both the mangroves and other things were damaged. Both nets, fishing boats, were consumed by the fire.”

“NGPTC has come to see us.They promised to come back after they have ascertained the extent of the damage. But we are not satisfied with the step they have taken so far. We are not happy because they didn’t tell us before they mobilized to site.”

While assuring the management of NGPTC of their readiness to dialogue towards amicable settlement and compensation, Ajisha disclosed that as a peace loving community they will provide the convivial atmosphere for peaceful negotiation.

They advised NGPTC not to be cajoled by other communities who may approach them for compensation and settlement, stressing that the exploded pipeline is located on Ugbokodo Community land hence should disregard any other community making advances.

He however called on NGPTC to take immediate step to fix another damaged gas pipeline located about 200 meters away from residential area in Ugbokodo Okpe Community, saying that it is a keg of gun powder waiting to explode.

He noted that the pipeline is very close to the surfaces and recommended that it should be further submerged.

Ajisha stated that his people may not be lucky as they were with the January 11 explosion if this identified danger is not addressed.

Written by Joe Ogbodu

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