The Imo State House of Assembly has urged Governor Hope Uzodimma to take immediate action to protect the lives and properties of Imo citizens from the dangers posed by the proliferation of cooking gas stations and retail outlets in residential areas.
Hon. Sam Ikechukwu Osuji, representing Isiala Mbano State Constituency, moved the motion, describing the situation as a “ticking time bomb” waiting to explode.
According to him, explosions have already occurred in some areas, resulting in loss of lives and properties.
“We cannot fold our arms and watch our people die. We must act now to prevent further disasters,” Osuji said.
The motion was supported by several lawmakers, who commended Osuji for his “people-oriented” motion.
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They expressed concern over the indiscriminate location of cooking gas stations and retail outlets in residential areas, without consideration for the safety of lives and properties.
The House, therefore, resolved that the governor should direct the Ministry of Petroleum, Ministry of Environment, and Owerri Capital Development Authority (OCDA) to investigate and seal dangerous cooking gas stations and retail outlets
The House Committee on Environment and ISOPADEC, Oil and Gas were also tasked with inviting officials from the relevant ministries to explain the proliferation of these outlets.
The Clerk was directed to communicate the resolution to the governor.