In Warri, the state’s commercial hub, the Delta State Government has issued a warning to retailers of Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) to either cease selling cooking gas in residential areas or face the possibility of having such outlets forcibly removed.
The warning was delivered during a recent meeting with the operators in Warri by the Permanent Secretary, Mr. Frank Omoko, who was representing Olorogun Vincent Oyibode, the Commissioner of Oil and Gas. The operators received training with the theme Safety: Hallmark of LPG Retailing in Delta State as part of the sensitization process.
Speaking at the event at Government House Annex in Edjeba, Warri, Omoko stated that the operators received safety tips, including not refilling cylinders to refuel, making sure there is adequate ventilation in and around LPG facilities, refraining from making phone calls near LPG facilities, and installing fire extinguishers in LPG retail stores and homes, among other things.
Omoko also stated that the ministry’s monitoring team will target those found responsible.Mr. Omoko stated that previous sensitization campaigns contributed to a decrease in the number of fire incidents in LPG retailing outlets in the state, and that the warning was now required to prevent gas explosions in the state. According to him, the state government started the program to ensure Deltans’ safety. Under the MORE agenda, we are constantly working to establish and preserve an environment that is favorable to the growth of the oil and gas industry.
In order to grow their business, Ewosky Consult’s Managing Director, Mr. Ewoma Eberebor, announced that they would collaborate with the state government to establish Micro Distributing Centers (MDCs). He claimed that this would help lower the number of LPG outlets that operate in residential areas.
Eberebor urged the government to take action to stop the issue of unclean cooking methods in the region, pointing out that using unclean fuel causes the deaths of roughly 2700 women in Delta State each year.
He added that it is not safe to use expired cylinders and that setting up MDCs would assist LPG retailers in identifying expired cylinders.
Speaking on behalf of the operators, Mrs. Awotula Patricia pledged that they would follow the rules. In order to decrease the number of LPG outlets, she stated that they are prepared to work with the state government to start Micro Distributing Centers (MDCs).
Other operators at the event said they gained a lot of knowledge from the training and praised the state government for taking the initiative.