Rosemary Nwisi, Port HarcourtAn oil pipeline company, Belema Pipeline Limited, is set to begin the construction of a Dehydration Unit (DHU) Tank Farm in Robertkiri, a riverine settlement in Kula Kingdom, Akuku Toru Local Government Area of Rivers State.A director in the company, Mufaa Welsh, spoke during a tour of the proposed site for the tank farm. He said the project would begin as soon as the former dwellers of the settlement were paid and relocated to another settlement.He said after the project, it would produce and manage water production as part of the proposed Belema Industrial Island.Mufaa explained that other projects such as gas plant, storage facilities, pipe booting facilities and industrial estate would also be situated on the Island.Read Also:Navy monitors pipelines with dronesHe said the project would be beneficial to the community as it would create employment for the people, especially the youth and attract development to the area.Mufaa lauded President Muhammadu Buhari for approving the terminal to operate. He also appreciated former residents of the Robertkiri settlement for their cooperation.The indigenes of Kula kingdom expressed excitement and appreciated the management of the company for the choice of the area.The spokesman of Kula Supreme Council of Traditional Rulers, Chief Fiala Okoye Davies, said the project would attract development to the area and would empower the people.We the Kula Supreme Council of Traditional Rulers and Chiefs are in support of this project because it is a development that is coming. This land was built to making an industrial city just like other oil cities in the world. It is going to be a robust opportunity and privilege to our people.The Head Chief of the demolished Robertkiri Riverine Settlement, Chief Ibroma Brown, said the people were very happy with the development.He thanked the management of the company for the compensation package given to them.Robertkiri was acquired by the Gulf Oil in January 1964 and respect of canalization, this mud was dug to form settlement and people decided to settle here. To the glory of God, Chevron inherited this place and now Belema Pipeline has inherited it.We were not forced to move out, we are leaving on mutual agreement. Both the landlords and other residents were dully compensated with a fabulous amount of money. It is not our right because this place is already owned by the company. The ex-gracia package given to us is just to enable us to move to another place.A prominent stakeholder of Kula Community, High Chief Ibiosiya Nath-Sukubo, said the community gave the nod for siting of the project because it would be beneficial to them.He noted that they were not forced to move from their homes, insisting that the project would attract development to the area and create employment opportunities for the people.The President, Kula Youth Organisations, Comrade Japus Ekine, commended the management of the company for bringing light to Kula kingdom and pledged the supports of the youths to the company at all times.The former residents of the settlement appreciated the company for the ex-gracia given to them.They said the money would help them relocate to another settlement and start a new life.
Click here to read full news..
