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The Project Coordinator of the Hydrocarbon Pollution Remediation Project (HYPREP), Professor Nenibarini Zabbey, has addressed concerns about the project’s funding, progress in environmental remediation, and its impact on the Ogoni communities.
Zabbey, In an interview with Arise News on Monday, clarified that the government’s financial involvement in HYPREP is not as direct as some might assume, stating, “It’s important to inform the public that HYPREP has different organs.
There is the Ogoni Trust Fund with a board of trustees, and we have the governing council responsible for HYPREP’s policies, chaired by the Hon. Minister of Environment, Abbas Lawal. We also have the Project Coordination Office, which handles operations.”
He explained further that the Central Representative Advisory Committee (CRAC), which includes respected chiefs and stakeholders from the Ogoni and the Niger Delta, plays a critical role in conflict resolution.
“The responsibility of CRAC is to resolve the issues of conflict and prevent conflicts on the project,” he said, adding that local Zonal Representatives Committees (ZRC) handle issues at the local government level.
On the subject of financial transparency, Zabbey confirmed that the Project Coordination Office does not manage the funds but rather, the Board of Trustees is responsible.
“HYPREP Project Coordination Office does not keep money contributed by various stakeholders,” he noted. “The Board of Trustees should be able to tell us how much has been contributed. Everything is fine when it comes to funding.”
Zabbey also highlighted the significant progress made by HYPREP in environmental remediation and community welfare.
“We focus on environmental remediation and the restoration of livelihoods, which are at the core of our mandate. In addition, we’re providing portable water to Ogoni communities and building the Centre of Excellence for Environmental Remediation,” he said.
He elaborated on the environmental restoration efforts, such as shoreline cleanup, mangrove restoration, and land remediation.
“We have categorised the remediation process into three phases: simple sites, medium-risk complex sites, and high-risk complex sites,” he explained.
Of the 65 sites identified, 20 have already been dealt with, with 48 of 50 cleanup lots certified by regulators. Work is now focused on 16 medium-risk complex sites.
For the high-risk sites, which are located within residential areas, Zabbey acknowledged the unique challenges.
“We need to use non-intrusive methods to remediate these sites due to contamination beneath houses, schools, and other structures,” he said.
“This year, we are conducting robust site characterization to determine the scope of work for these high-risk sites.”
Addressing concerns about groundwater and air quality, Zabbbey confirmed that HYPREP is actively working on groundwater remediation, particularly in the medium-risk sites.
“We are treating both contaminated soil and groundwater. We have deployed the best technologies in the cleanup,” he stated.
Public health remains another priority for HYPREP. “Union recommended that we create a public registry to monitor the health of the Ogoni people over time, but we are doing more than that,” Zabbey revealed.
“We are building two hospitals: a 40-bed cottage hospital and the Ogoni Specialist Hospital.”
On the topic of water provision, Zabbey shared updates on major projects aimed at improving access to clean water.
“We are providing potable water not just to oil-contaminated areas, but to all Ogoni communities. We’ve concluded two large water schemes, which will be commissioned next month by the Hon. Minister and the Resident Coordinator,” he said.
“We are building 18 headworks in Ogoni and four booster stations to provide potable water to 68 more communities over a 700-kilometre radius.”
In the area of livelihood restoration, Zabbey highlighted efforts to provide training and employment opportunities.
“We are strengthening the capacity of local communities, providing training, starter packs, and employment for some of our trainees,” he added.
Boluwatife Enome
The post Ogoni Environmental Remediation, Community Projects Are Advancing, Funding Not An Issue, Says HYPREP Coordinator Zabbey appeared first on Arise News.
