Lagos House of Assembly has directed its Committee on Special Duties to invite concerned stakeholders and agencies with a view to finding a lasting solution to an incessant gas explosion in the state.
The resolution, which was reached at an emergency plenary on Friday, October 9, 2020, was a sequel to a notice by the member representing Alimosho Constituency 1, Hon. Bisi Yusuf about the explosion that rocked the Baruwa area of Ayobo Ipaja for which five-person died and several properties were destroyed.
Yusuf, while recounting the incident, explained it was a bad Thursday for residents of Alimosho.
The lawmaker noted that the House during the 8th Assembly came up with a resolution condemning situating gas plants within residential areas but it was not enforced by the necessary agencies.
Members, while lending their voices, condemned a situation whereby gas plants are sited within residential areas.
They urged the Ministry of Physical Planning and Urban Development to desist from approving the siting of gas plants within residential areas.
Ganiu Sanni-Okanlawon, the member representing Kosofe Constituency 1, explained incessant gas explosion is becoming worrisome.
He also advised the concerned authorities and agencies should carry out proper enforcement of regulations relating to the siting of gas plants.
Kehinde Joseph representing Alimosho Constituency 2, blamed the regulators for not enforcing the enabling and existing laws guiding gas plant location.
Joseph added the issue of the explosion is becoming too rampant in Alimosho and as such should be looked into with a view to bringing an end to such occurrence.
Gbolahan Yishawu representing Eti-Osa Constituency 2, noted there was no way the State Government or the Department of Petroleum Resources, DPR, would grant approval to any operator to site a gas plant within a residential area.
Yishawu, however, urged the state government to ensure that every gas plant within the state that has no approval is shut down, adding that those operators who have approval should also be monitored from time to time to ensure that they comply with the necessary rules and regulations.
Speaker Mudashiru Obasa while commiserating with the people of Alimosho, especially those who lost loved ones, said the House is the people’s representative can no longer fold its arms and continue to allow the loss of lives.
Obasa pointed out the responsibility of the government is to protect lives in particular, adding that properties could be replaced when destroyed but lives are irreplaceable.
The Committee on Special Duties was directed to report back to the House in one week.
Source: The Nation
