Transcript of a Motion on the need to curb proliferation of Filling Stations in Akwa Ibom

A MOTION ON THE NEED TO CURB THE PROLIFERATION OF FILLING STATIONS WITHIN RESIDENTIAL BUILDINGS AND PLACES OF PUBLIC ASSEMBLY

SPONSOR: Rt.Hon.(Elder)Aniekan Uko FCIA., AMB.P.

#THE_HOUSE:

NOTES the proliferation of Petrol stations in town, cities, and communities in Akwa Ibom State; which are sandwiched without resources to rule of proximity, and environmental impact assessment.

FUTHER NOTES that this filling stations are located between residential buildings, hospitals, schools, markets, churches, office buildings and even at junctions, in clear contravention of safety standards, existing environmental laws, and non - conformity to international best practices.

AWARE that the Petroleum Regulation Act CAP 150 of 1967 empowers the Department of Petroleum Resources (DPR) to regulate the location and operation of filling stations in Nigeria.

FURTHER AWARE that the Department of Petroleum Resources guidelines for location of filling stations clearly stipulates that the distance between two nearest filling stations should be 400meters, and the distance between a filling station and the nearest residential building should be 50meters, while the distance between a filling station and the nearest place of public assembly should be 90meters respectively.

DISTURBED that what is on the Department of Petroleum Resources guidelines is the direct opposite of what is seen in our towns and communities, where filling stations are competing for spaces with residential buildings and places of public assembly.

CONCERNED that owners and residents of houses close to the filling stations have express fears, over the effect of continued construction of filling stations in and around residential areas, considering the fact that Petroleum products are known to be highly inflammable, and that any mishandling of the products may lead to fire outbreak.

WORRIED that those that saddled with responsibility of enforcing strict adherence to stipulated guidelines regarding location of filling stations, are yet to come up with a convincing explanation on the increasing number of these stations at odd locations, especially when owners of these stations always claim to have secured all necessary approvals.

FURTHER WORRIED that lives and valuable properties of nearby residents are at great risk considering the health implications that may likely arise as a result of frequent inhalation of Petroleum gas, and in event of any fire outbreak.

TAKING COGNIZANCE of the grave danger the continued construction of filling stations around residential buildings may likely pose to the environment and nearby residents.

Mr. Speaker/ Honorable Colleagues, permit me at this juncture to move this HOUSE to resolve as follows:

1. Call on the Department of Petroleum Resources and the State Fire Services to henceforth, stop the construction of filling stations around residential buildings and places of public assembly.

2. Urge the Department of Petroleum Resources, the State Fire Service and other relevant government agencies to ensure that due process is followed in approving locations for construction of filling stations.

3. Mandate the state Government agency responsible for town planning to ensure due diligence and continuous inspection and monitoring of approved building plans to check any breach of Master plan.

4. Futher urge residents to report to the appropriate authority, any prospective filling station owner who intends to build filling stations within residential buildings.

5. Also urge the fire service to ensure that already built filling stations within residential buildings are well - equipped with fire gadgets.

I SO MOVE.

RT. HON. ELDER ANIEKAN UKO. FCIA., AMB.P., PHF. (Adm.)
Member representing Ibesikpo Asutan State Constituency - AKHA