Following a reported water contamination at Ohanso in Ukwa East Local Government Area of Abia state caused by crude oil deposits, the Abia has set set up an emergency management team to provide potable water for affected residents of the community.
This was made known by the state Commissioner for information, Prince Okey Kanu while briefing newsmen in Umuahia the state capital.
The government mouthpiece said the team, led by the Commissioner for Petroleum and Mineral Resources, Professor Joel Ogbonna, was tasked with finding a quick solution to the hydrocarbon contamination.
Kanu also revealed that the Ministry of Health had been directed to investigate the potential health risks posed by the consumption of contaminated water over the years.
He expressed concern about the dangers of ingesting hydrocarbons but assured that the government was committed to protecting the people.
Also Speaking, Prof. Ogbonna said the intervention followed reports that a man who drilled a borehole in the area discovered a substance suspected to be crude oil, which was found to have contaminated the community’s water supply.
He explained that subsequent investigations confirmed the contamination, prompting the state to set up a committee for a detailed inquiry.
