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The
Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) has commenced the Onne Port Channel Oil spill
clean-up operations at the Federal Oceans Terminal (FOT) Onne.
The
project of water channel clean-up is the first of such project being executed
by the Personnel of Environment Department of the Authority from both the
Corporate Headquarters and the FOT.
Speaking
on the side-lines of the kick-off of the clean-up project at the Engineering
Department premises at Federal Lighter Terminal (FLT) Onne, venue of the
take-off of the Onne Port Channel oil spill clean-up operations, the Acting
Port Manager, Mrs Barbara Ejemeh Nchey-Achukwu who represented the Port Manager
Alhassan Ismaila Abubakar, commended the wisdom of the Managing Director of
NPA, Hadiza Bala Usman for the approval for the commencement of the water
channel clean-up at the Port.
She
said that the Port Manager was aware of various complains from Terminal
Operators relating to oil pollution within the waters and was therefore excited
with the new development in commencement of the water channel clean up. She
added that by this effort, NPA was showing a duty of care.
Mrs.
Nchey-Achukwu said that vessel owners had been complaining over oil spill
stains on their vessels hauls calling at Onne Port, and remarked that after the
exercise such complaints would be a thing of the past.
“I know after this exercise, terminal
operators will no longer complain to Onne Port Management of stains on their
anchored vessels”, Nchey-Achukwu stated.
In
a brief tool box meeting at the premises of the Engineering Department FLT,
Onne, Engr. I.S Abdulbaki, General Manager HSE, said he and his team were in
Onne Port to clean up the water channels.
He
said they could not ascertain the actual cause of the oil spills at the Port,
but suspected the activities of oil bunkers and waste from communities that
empty into the water channels.
He
said that part of the activities involved removing debris from the waters and
using chemicals to clean the water to achieve improved water.
He
added that they would also embark on awareness campaign to raise the
consciousness of the people on the need for clean waters, to sustain aquatic
life and navigation.
Also
speaking, the Assistant General Manager, Environment, Khadijat Sheidu-Shabi
said that NPA decided to carry out this oil- spill clean up to improve the
quality of the Port water channels, “As an Authority, we are proud to show
commitment to improving the navigational water channels within Onne Port”, Sheidu-Shabi
stated.
On
his part, Uchenna Chukwuemeka, Principal Manager, and Coordinator on scene, and
the Commander of Onne Port channel clean-up operations, said materials to be
deployed for the exercise includes Bio-degradable materials (PRP), Remediation
Products (PRP) and Pressure washers for removal of oil stains on the quay walls
and the fenders.
He
said that the team would also be using scooping nets within the Onne water
channels to remove floating debris, cans and cellophane bags within the Onne
water channels.
On
his part, the Manager in charge of pollution control, Onne Port, Mr. James Edet, described the team as passionate and
professional to deliver clean and safe water within the Port channel.
“We
are set to achieve green Port status at Onne Port water Channel,” Mr James
stated.