Imo Communities Urge Gas Firm To Accelerate Road Construction Project

The oil communities of the Assa North cluster in Imo State, specifically the Assa North, Obile, Ochia, Awarra, Ohoba, and Obosima communities, have appealed to the Anoh Gas Processing Company (AGPC) to expedite the construction of the Assa – Ohoba – Obosima rural road.

In a statement issued by the cluster’s spokesperson, Mr Duke-Bright Enyia, and shared with journalists in Owerri on Monday, the communities expressed their dissatisfaction with the progress of the road construction project, which commenced in 2019 following a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with AGPC.

Enyia said that despite the community’s partnership with AGPC over the past four years, the company had failed to complete the road project.

He stressed the road’s significance, being the sole link to Owerri, the state capital, and urged AGPC to consider transferring the construction contract to another firm due to the current handlers’ inability to execute the project effectively.

“The Assa-Ohoba-Obosima road that links our communities to neighbouring communities and importantly, Owerri, has been destroyed by AGPC due to the impact of heavy trucks used for construction work on their site,” Enyia stated.

Additionally, Enyia expressed grievances regarding the lack of benefits outlined in the local content policies and the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA), such as access to electricity, quality healthcare, and essential infrastructure.

The spokesperson further addressed concerns about environmental pollution caused by AGPC, adversely affecting the lands and making them unsuitable for farming. He highlighted the negative impact on local farmers, compromising their ability to sustain their families.

Enyia also criticized the alleged partiality in employment practices, citing instances, where job opportunities meant for locals, were given to individuals not recognized by the community, contravening the MoU and provisions of the PIA.

In response to these allegations, AGPC’s Project Management Officer, Mr. Obinna Madumere, assured that the company would address the concerns accordingly. (NAN)