Aiteo Eastern Exploration and
Production Company (AEEPCO) Friday, 26th of November said the wellhead in the Santa
Barbara South field in Nembe, Bayelsa State which blew up on November 5,
would be secured in 48 hours.
The firm said its officials were
closely monitoring all activities related to the affected communities in
Nembe Local Government Area (LGA), including feeding, lighting,
hygiene, drinking water and medical requirements with the help of local
associations.
It said its Safety and security and HSE teams are monitoring the
quality of air every six hours to ascertain the livability of the areas
adjoining ground zero, while also mobilizing additional relief materials
for the affected communities.
This was disclosed in a
statement by the Group Managing Director (GMD) Aiteo Eastern E & P
Company Ltd, Mr Victor Okoronkwo.
The statement added: “Relief materials, viz. mosquito net, hygiene
and sanitary kits, disinfectants, food materials, are being mobilised to
the immediate communities impacted by the spill.�
The company
emphasised that there was currently no fire at or within the vicinity of
the well, while Environmental Impact Assessment in vicinity of the area
is in planning phase with a DPR / NOSDRA accredited firm.
The statement followed the visit of Minister of State for Petroleum,
Timipre Sylva and other dignitaries to take stock of the situation at
ground zero on November 24.
