Aiteo Eastern Exploration and Production Company (AEEPCO) Friday said the wellhead in the Santa Barbara South field in Nembe, Rivers State which blew up on November 5, would be secured in 48 hours.
The firm said its officials were closely monitoring all activities related to the affected communities in Nembe Local Government Area (LGA), including feeding, lighting, hygiene, drinking water and medical requirements with the help of local associations.
It said its Safety and security and HSE teams are monitoring the quality of air every six hours to ascertain the livability of the areas adjoining ground zero, while also mobilizing additional relief materials for the affected communities.
The firm disclosed this in a statement by the Group Managing Director (GMD) Aiteo Eastern E & P Company Ltd, Mr Victor Okoronkwo.
The statement added: “Relief materials, viz. mosquito net, hygiene and sanitary kits, disinfectants, food materials, are being mobilised to the immediate communities impacted by the spill.”
The company emphasised that there was currently no fire at or within the vicinity of the well, while Environmental Impact Assessment in vicinity of the area is in planning phase with a DPR / NOSDRA accredited firm.
The statement followed the visit of Minister of State for Petroleum, Timipre Sylva and other dignitaries to take stock of the situation at ground zero on November 24.
The wellhead in the Santa Barbara South field blew up on November 5, spewing oil into the water bodies.
