Residents of Satellite Town in the Amuwo-Odofin Local Government Area of Lagos State have petitioned the Federal Government over the indiscriminate siting of tank farms and the blockage of water channels in the area.
The residents are fearful that the proliferation of tank farms, container terminals and bonded warehouses is a recipe disaster in the densely populated area.
The Chairman, Satellite Town Forum, Mr Governor Imitini, who spoke with journalists on Tuesday, stated that not only was the tank farms capable of exploding, their activities had made life unbearable for the residents.
He explained that it was sad for the community, which stretches from Alakija to Abule Ado along the Badagry Expressway and the waterside area and beyond, to forfeit an area of about half a kilometre to over 12 tank farms.
According to him, in a day, over 400 tankers loaded with petrol are trapped on the single narrow road, as fuel leaks from the trucks create panic among the residents.
Imitini said,“The operation of these tank farms is an impending disaster. This is in addition to the bonded terminal at Alakija with its unending fleet of trucks.
“To worsen the plight of the residents is another container terminal being constructed in Zone 2, Liverpool Estate, to add to the tank farms in the same vicinity.
“The location of these facilities in this densely populated residential area without due consideration for residents, closeness to residential areas, and provision of alternative vehicular routes and adequate facilities, has negatively impacted the Satellite Town community.
“We most respectfully send this SOS to President Muhammadu Buhari; the ministers of Petroleum, Environment, Works and Transportation; as well as the Department of Petroleum Resources and the Nigerian Ports Authority to come to our aid as we are dying gradually.”
Appealing for the intervention of the Lagos State Government as well as the National Assembly and the Lagos State House of Assembly on the issue, Imitini added that many tank farms were constructed on flood and drainage channels, which often resulted in massive flooding of the entire settlement.
He added that many residential buildings were being submerged by flood whenever it rains, noting that many landlords and tenants had abandoned their homes owing to the flood that had destroyed many of the properties.
He said, “Several residential buildings have been submerged by flood water, especially whenever it rains. Many landlords and tenants have abandoned their homes as a result.
“There is increasing environmental pollution due to the waste being dumped by these tank farms as well as, oil spill in stagnant polluted water, and dampness; we are also facing threats of epidemic.”
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