AIFES

African Indigenous Foundation for Energy and Sustainable Development (AIFES)

27/4/24

Press Statement

Eleme Road Fire Incident: Rights Group Urges Fast Track of Construction Work
‐-- Condoles With Victims' Families
-- Calls for completion of work on Alternative Routes

The African Indigenous Foundation for Energy and Sustainable Development expresses deep pain over the devastating fire incident that took place along the Aleto- Eleme axis of the East West Road in Rivers State on Friday, April 26, 2024, and calls for expeditious work on the road construction.

AIFES also strongly feels worried over the continued reckless actions of those responsible for the inferno, describing it as an incident that would have been avoided if the government, the construction company and top political leaders in the area had considered lives and property of people of the communities in that region to be of value.

It is with grave sadness and feelings of neglet of the people of Rivers South East Senatorial District and all those doing legitimate businesses in that area by successive governments at the centre that we call on the federal authorities to urgently impress on the company handling the road construction to fast track the ex*****on of the project without compromise and resorting to substandard work.

We sympathize with families of victims of the fire disaster and call on government, companies and well meaning individuals to come to their aid urgently.

We also appeal to the company handling the construction work to create enough access for motorists and pedestrians even as the work progresses. Effective traffic control measures should also be put in place on the stretch of the road not excavated yet to avert further deadly occurancies.

While we commend the feasible quality work going on at the moment by the Company, it is important we reiterate the need to provide effective security measures and lighting facilities at night to illuminate all sections of the road and provide clearer views to motorists and pedestrians.

No doubt, this ugly incident is one too many, and it is time the government, in collaboration with high profile institutions and companies operating in the area, demonstrated measurable and fruitful commitment to averting further incidents.

We also use this opportunity to appeal to relevant authorities to open up the Oyigbo - Eleme road to traffic to serve as alternative route to access the Onne Junction of the East West Road.

In like manner, we urge the contractor handling the Woji - Refinery Junction Bypass to expedite work on the project for the Rivers State government to put it into use for it to also serve as alternative route for those travelling in that area.

We believe with these commitments, potential disasters will be averted, lives will be safe, properties secured and the people of the area will begin to have a sense of belonging and businesses thrive.

Signed
Gad Nwigbalor
Head, Community and Environment Desk.

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As we celebrate the joy of Christmas and the arrival of a new year, let us take a moment to appreciate the bonds we have forged, the challenges we have overcome, and the successes we have achieved. May the spirit of the season fill your hearts with warmth and joy, reminding you of the importance of family, friends, and the shared goals that bring us together.

Merry Christmas from all of us at The African Indigenous Foundation For Energy & Sustainable Development.

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PICTORIAL PERSPECTIVES: BOOK PRESENTATION ON THE OGONI LANGUAGE NUMERALS.

THEME: LANGUAGE, THE SOURCE OF OUR IDENTITY
DATE: FRIDAY, DECEMBER 22, 2023

Community engagement and interactive session. Assessing project areas and fostering unity.

President, African Indigenous Foundation For Energy and Sustainable Development(AIFES), Teeh Legborsi Pyagbara at the United Nations.