… Cautions LPG Retailers Against Operating in Residential Areas
By Oreva Omojefe
Delta State Government has warned Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) retailers in Warri, the commercial nerve centre of the state to stop the sale of cooking gas in residential areas or have such outlets forcibly shut.
The Permanent Secretary, Mr. Frank Omoko who represented the Commissioner of Oil and Gas, Olorogun Vincent Oyibode, met with the operators recently in Warri.
As part of the sensitization, a training programme was provided for the operators with the theme Safety: Hallmark of LGP Retailing in Delta State.
The operators were given safety tips in carrying out their businesses such as avoiding cylinder to cylinder refill, ensuring proper ventilation in and around LPG facilities, avoiding phone calls around LPG facilities, installation of fire extinguishers in LPG retail shops and homes, among others
Speaking during the event at the Government House Annex, Edjeba, Warri, Mr. Omoko said the ministry’s monitoring team will descend on those found culpable..
The Permanent Secretary said the warning became necessary to forestall gas explosions in the state, adding that past sensitization helped to reduce cases of fire incidents in LPG retailing outlet in the state.
“The state government embarked on this program for the safety of Deltans. We are continuously striving under the MORE agenda to create and maintain a conducive environment for oil and gas businesses to thrive,” Mr. Omoko said.
The Managing Director of Ewosky Consult, Mr. Ewoma Eberebor said they would partner with the state government to set up Micro Distributing Centers (MDCs) to expand their business, stating that it would helped reduced numbers of LPG outlets operating in residential area.
Mr. Eberebor appealed to the government to put up initiatives to curb the problem of dirty form of cooking in the state, adding that Delta State loses about 2700 women yearly as a result of using dirty fuel.
He said setting up MDCs would help LPG retailers to detect expired cylinders, stressing that it is dangerous to use expired cylinders.
Mrs Awotula Patricia, speaking on behalf of the operators, promised that they will adhere to the regulations. She said they were ready to partner with the state government to commence Micro Distributing Centers (MDCs) to reduce the number of LPG outlets.
The LPG operators at the event commended the state government for the initiative, saying they learnt a lot from the training.