….Cautions Against Effects Of Operating In Residential Areas
By Onomiguren Agbamu
The Delta State Government has warned Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) Retailers in Warri, the commercial nerve centre of the state, to stop sales of cooking gas in residential areas, saying default outlets will be forcibly removed.
The Commissioner for Oil and Gas, Olorogun Vincent Oyibode who was ably represented by the Permanent Secretary of the ministry, Mr. Frank Omoko, at the Government House Annex, Edjeba , Warri said as part of the sensitization, a training programme was also provided for the LGP operators with the theme: “Safety: Hallmark of LGP Retailing” in the State.
Oyibode warned that the ministry monitoring team will descend on those found defaulting the directive of the state Government.
The Commissioner added that the warning becomes necessary to forestall gas explosions in the state, saying that past sensitizations has helped to reduce cases of fire incidents in LPG retailing outlet in the state.
“The State Government embarked on this programme for the safety of Deltans. We are continuously striving under the MORE agenda to create and maintain a conducive environment for oil and gas businesses to thrive”. Oyibode said.
The Managing Director of Ewosky Consult, Mr. Ewoma Eberebor disclosed that they would partner with the State Government to set up Micro Distributing Centers (MDCs) to expand their business, saying that it would helped reduced numbers of LPG outlets operating in residential area.
Eberebor appealed to the State Government to put up an initiative to curb the challenges of dirty form of cooking across the state that Delta loses about 2700 women yearly as a result of using dirty fuel.
He suggested that setting up MDCs would help LPG retailers to detect expired cylinders, adding that it is dangerous to use expired cylinder that are not safe.
Speaking on behalf of the LPG operators, Mrs. Awotula Patricia promised they will adhere to the regulations, adding that they are ready to partner with the state Government to commence Micro Distributing Centers (MDCs) to reduce the number of LPG outlets.
The LPG operators at the event commended the State Government for the initiative, saying they learned a lot from the training.
The operators were given all necessary safety tips such as avoiding cylinder to cylinder refill, ensuring proper ventilation in and around LPG facilities, avoiding phone calls around LPG facilities, installation of fire extinguishers in LPG retail shops and homes, among others.
Share this story to friends