The Abia State Government has announced plans to establish a water treatment plant in Ukwa West Local Government Area to provide residents with safe and healthy water.
Commissioner for Petroleum, Prof. Joel Ogbonna, disclosed this during the weekly press briefing on the outcome of the State Executive Council meeting chaired by Governor Alex Otti.
Ogbonna explained that the decision followed reports that a man who dug a borehole in the area discovered a substance suspected to be crude oil.
He noted that further investigation revealed that the water currently being consumed by residents was contaminated, prompting the state government to set up a committee for a detailed inquiry.
Commissioner for information, Prince Okey Kanu said the State Government has set up an emergency management team, led by the Commissioner for Petroleum and Mineral Resources, to ensure that necessary remedial actions are taken to provide potable drinking water for the oba community of Ohanso in the Ukwa-East Local Government Area.
He insisted that due to the health hazards posed by hydrocarbons when ingested by humans, the State Ministry of health will help to investigate the extent of danger posed to the health of the indigents of the community, and how they may have been adversely affected by the hydrocarbons that have been ingested through the water they drink.
Kanu said this remedial and immediate action by the state government underscores the compassionate Governance style and philosophy of the state Government, to provide immediate solutions to Communities that are under danger in any way or form.
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