Rivers Toxic Emission: Govt. Seals Off Chinese Company, Two Others

Rivers State Toxic Smog (Twitter photo)

The Rivers State government on Saturday announced the sealing off of Chinese Govt Company, CGC, in Aluu, over “aggravated air pollution, and breach of environmental laws” in the state.

Media report continues:

Two other companies – H & H Engineering Company and AUC Asphalt Company – located in Aluu have also been sealed off.

Port Harcourt residents of late have been complaining of emission of “toxic” soot into the atmosphere by unknown persons or companies, which prompted the state government to set up a task force to investigate the issue.

The Commissioner for Information in the state, Austin Tam-George, who announced the sealing off of the three companies, said their directors would face prosecution according to the law.

“The Task Force wishes to warn all individuals and companies that engage in practices that pollute the air and ruin the environment to desist immediately, or face the full consequences of their actions,” Mr. Tam-George said.

“While Rivers State remains open for business, the State Government is fully committed to the implementation of the United Nations (UN) declarations on the importance of fresh air, and the creation of sustainable livelihoods in our communities.

“We urge members of the public to join the drive for a healthy Rivers State.”

Gov Wike Shuts Down Chinese Company Responsible For Mysterious Black Dust In PH

In another report, the Rivers state government has traced the black soot polluting the atmosphere of Port Harcourt and its environs to a Chinese construction company, named CGC.

According to a statement Commissioner of Information, Dr Austin Tam-George, the company has been shutdown by the Rivers State Task Force on the Black Soot.

A statement by Tam-George on Saturday, February 11 read: "This is to inform the public that a Chinese construction company, named CGC, located on the Obirikwere-Airport Link Road has been shut down on Friday, the 10th of February, 2017, by the Rivers State Task Force on the Black Soot.

"The Asphalt plant was found to be producing thick black smog out of the furnace in the process of burning Asphalt, heavily polluting the air.

"The Asphalt plant was immediately shut down by the task force. All the directors of the company will be prosecuted according to the law.

"The public is therefore advised to cooperate with the Task Force, by providing useful information on the Black Soot.

"Please call or send Whatsapp messages to the following hot lines: 08065768366, 08036621435, 08037503473."

Recall that the Rivers state government had set up a Task Force to tackle the black soot polluting the atmosphere of Port Harcourt and its environs.

The Task Force was mandated to investigate and resolve the environmental challenge.

This was part of the resolutions of the State Executive Council meeting of Wednesday, February 8 at the government House, Port Harcourt Executive Council Chambers chaired by Governor Nyesom Ezenwo Wike.