Ibadan Residents Raise alarm Over Indiscriminate Siting of Gas, Petrol Stations
Residents within Kolapo Ishola Estate, Ibadan from General Gas to Iyana-Church, have called for urgent action of Oyo state government over indiscriminate establishment of gas stations and petrol stations in the area.
The residents raised the concern to call government intervention to prevent what they call looming disaster and recurrence of the tragic event that occurred at Old Bodija Estate last Tuesday night, where an explosion led to the loss of lives and properties.
Speaking with newsmen after the meeting of landlords in the area, the chairman, Kolapo Ishola GRA, Olalekan Thanni and vice chairman of Carlton Gate Residents Association, Otunba Jimi Bolusere described the issue as a time bomb waiting to explode if not given urgent attention.
They stated that the Bodija incident was an eye opener for, saying they are acted on Governor Seyi Makinde’s advice ‘if you see something, say something’.
They stated that the significant risk posed through indiscriminate siting of gas and petrol stations is undesirable, given their proximity to schools, churches, and residential areas within the estate.
“After an extensive debate of imminent danger particularly in reference to an unfortunate incident that occurred last Tuesday at Bodija, we are seeing something, we are now saying something, and we expect the authority to do something.”
Within a distance of less than one kilometre, we have numerous gas plants and fuel stations domicile proximity to schools, churches, and residential communities, this is a time bomb.
Specifically, we have a gas tank farm which is less than five kilometres from Valencia School and opposite Mercy Land fuel station, this gas tank farm has a mechanic village close by where welding activities can ignite devastating explosions.
“After our meeting, we have reached the following decisions, we request for review of approval given to the gas plants, gas farm, and fuel stations within our corridor.
“We specifically call on the government to address the gas tank farm operated by Gasland close to Valencia School, various Churches, and numerous residential communities along the corridor.
We urged the government to review the violation of DPR guidelines and regulatory approvals in establishments of the fuel and gas facilities within residential communities.
Residents will continue to review the safety and security landscape of communities along the corridor to guarantee the safety of lives and properties of residence.
“It is imperative that within the shortest possible time, the gas tank farm should be relocated out of our community as it possed potential future explosion.”
