Port Harcourt Residents Fearful as Soot Causes Severe Air Pollution & Poses Health Hazard

Last year, residents of Port Harcourt, Rivers state raised an alarm over the presence of soot in the air and now it is occurring again. The extent of the pollution is such that the soot can be visibly seen on the skin, clothes and cars.

Soot is an airborne contaminant in the environment which has different sources, all of which are results of some form of pyrolysis. It causes cancer and lung disease, and is theorized to be the second biggest human cause of global warming.

Various residents have taken to social media to air their worries regarding the issue. See below:

Watch a mom air her concern regarding the issue:

https://www.instagram.com/p/BQQAqoFD8Ay/

The governor of the state Nyesom Ezenwo Wike, has since released a statement in this regard. See below:

RSG SETS UP TASK FORCE TO TACKLE BLACK SOOT

Rivers State Government has set up a Task Force to tackle the black soot pollutting the atmosphere of Port Harcourt and its environs.

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

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

The Task Force to investigate the Black Soot has the Commissioner of Environment, Professor Roseline Konya, Commissioner of Special Duties, Mr Emeka Onowu and the Commissioner of Information, Dr Austin Tam-George as members.

The committee which will be backed by technical experts will liaise with major stakeholders to resolve the environmental challenges posed by the black soot.

Briefing the media after the Executive Council meeting, Commissioner of Information, Dr Austin Tam-George stated that the resolution was reached after the Commissioner of Environment, Professor Roseline Konya on the preliminary results of its Ministerial Investigation.

Also on Wednesday, the Rivers State Executive Council approved the purchase of hi-tech equipment for the Braithwaite Memorial Hospital at the cost of $10.5million.

The Rivers State Executive Council also resolved to ensure that all the General Hospitals being rehabilitated are duly equipped to create access to quality healthcare for the people.

Simeon Nwakaudu,
Special Assistant to the Rivers State Governor, Electronic Media.
8th February, 2017.