A team from the Rivers State Government has visited Aleto community in Eleme Local Government Area, where a gas pipeline blast recently left residents nursing injuries and property losses.
Officials from the Ministries of Energy and Natural Resources, and Environment toured the affected area to see the extent of the destruction first-hand and to console those hit by the disaster.
Speaking during the visit, the Permanent Secretary of the Energy and Natural Resources Ministry, James Ngochindo, said the team would report what it found, along with the worries residents voiced, to Governor Siminalayi Fubara and other relevant agencies so that appropriate steps can be taken.
Ngochindo also praised the people of Aleto for keeping calm in the face of their ordeal.
The blast, which happened last Thursday, was said to have left several people hurt, while buildings and vehicles in the community were also damaged.
The Eleme monarch, King Philip Osaro Obele, appreciated the state government for coming to the community.
He urged authorities to give greater “priority to safeguarding the environment and improving infrastructure in the area.”