The Hydrocarbon Pollution Remediation Project (HYPREP) has implemented immediate security enhancements across its project locations in Ogoni land following a significant incident at the Ebubu water facility. The security measures come after a ground tank rupture occurred at approximately 10:36 am today, disrupting water supply to the Ebubu community.
Immediate Response and Security Measures
In an official statement released by Enuolare Mba-Nwigoh, Head of Communications at HYPREP, the organization expressed deep concern about the facility failure and apologized for the inconvenience caused to community residents. The water station has been immediately cordoned off to ensure public safety while restoration work begins.
Professor Nenibarini Zabbey, the Project Coordinator, has directed the Chief Security Officer to implement tightened security protocols across all HYPREP project sites. Non-project personnel and non-facility staff are now prohibited from entering the 16 water facilities and active HYPREP sites in Ogoni without proper authorization.
Investigation and Restoration Efforts
A technical team led by Professor Damian-Paul, Director of Technical Services, has been dispatched to assess the damage and determine the cause of the tank rupture. The investigation aims to identify what led to the infrastructure failure and prevent similar incidents in the future.
HYPREP has assured the Ebubu community that prompt steps are being taken to restore their water supply. The organization appealed for calm among residents while repair work continues. Despite this setback, HYPREP remains committed to delivering sustainable environmental cleanup throughout Ogoniland as mandated by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP).
Broader Context of Ogoni Cleanup Programme
The incident occurs amid renewed momentum for the Ogoni cleanup programme, supported by the Federal Government. Recently, HYPREP has taken significant steps toward operationalizing the Centre of Excellence for Environmental Restoration (CEER) through a three-day colloquium in Port Harcourt.
This gathering brought together academics, environmental experts, and stakeholders to implement UNEP's recommended action of establishing an institution dedicated to environmental research and capacity building. The initiative follows the approval of all recommendations from the Prof. Don Baridam-led 14-member Technical Planning Committee by Hon Minister of Environment, Balarabe Abbas Lawal.
Professor Zabbey emphasized that the colloquium represents another critical milestone in HYPREP's efforts to fulfill the UN Environment Programme recommendations for Ogoni, consistent with the directives in the project's establishing gazette.
