Members of the House of Representatives Committee on Host Communities have commended the Hydrocarbon Pollution Remediation Project (HYPREP) for significant progress made in cleaning up Ogoniland; extolling also the project coordinator, Prof Nenibarini Zabbey for ensuring continuous implementation of the project and utilizing local contractors.
The lawmakers, who were on a four-day oversight visit to the region from August 14 to 17, 2024, inspected various HYPREP projects including land and shoreline remediation, water supply schemes, and healthcare facilities.
Following their visit, the committee chairman, Hon. Dumnamene Dekor, expressed satisfaction with the work done so far, dismissing criticisms leveled against the project as unfounded.
“It’s obvious HYPREP is working, and good progress is being made on most of the sites visited, as against the narrative of cynics,” Dekor stated during a meeting with Ogoni stakeholders in Wiiyakara.
HYPREP reiterated its commitment to involving the community in the cleanup process and ensuring the sustainability of the project in line with the recommendations of the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) report on Ogoniland.
The visit by the lawmakers is expected to boost the morale of HYPREP staff and strengthen public confidence in the remediation project.
MK