The House of Representatives has urged the military to desist from burning illegal refineries operating in the Niger Delta region, so as to reduce environmental hazards in the area.
The House urged the Federal Ministry of Environment and the Federal Ministry of Health to constitute an emergency team of experts to identify the source of black soot particles noticed within and around Port Harcourt metropolis and prover immediate solution.
They also the ministries to create awareness on the effects of the black soot while the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) should offer first aid measures to the people.
The however mandated the it’s committees on Environment and Habitat and Healthcare Services to ensure compliance and report back to the House within four weeks.
According motion sponsored by the member representing Ikwerre /Emohua federal constituency of Rivers state, Chidi Wihioka, there is a dire need to address the menace of hazardous black soot causing panic in Port Harcourt.
Wihioka explained that the black soot are fine particles composed mainly of carbon produced by incomplete combustion of oil, wood and other fuels.
He said particles consist of acid rain, metals, soil, dust and was causing serious panic among residents of Port Harcourt.
According to him, it makes the people sneeze and cough out black substance after inhaling the soot.
According to him, the presence of the soot in noticeable on spread cloths, parked cars, water stored in drums and when a white handkerchief is used to whip one’s face or to sneeze.
Wihioka observed that once the soot enters the bloodstream, it could cause a wide array of serious health challenges. This he said could cause respiratory infections such as breathing disorder, bronchitis, asthma, stroke, heart attack, cancer and premature death among children.
Deputy Speaker of the House, Yussuf Lasun in his contribution said burning illegal refineries was not a solution.
Lasun said no Nigerian had ever complained that the Premium Motor Spirit, Kerosene, Diesel and other products from the illegal refineries were inferior to the imported products.
He suggested that government accommodate operators of the illegal refineries and standardise their technical.