The Abia State Government has launched an emergency management team to address the reported hydrocarbon contamination of underground water in Ukwa East Local Government Area, an oil-producing region of the state.
Commissioner for Information, Okey Kanu disclosed this, during a media briefing at the Government House. He said the intervention became necessary after residents of Oba community, Ohanso, raised the alarm when oil traces were discovered floating in water drawn from a borehole.
Laboratory tests have since confirmed the presence of hydrocarbons in water samples taken from the area, posing significant health and environmental risks.
Kanu explained that the emergency team, led by Professor Joel Ogbonna, the Commissioner for Petroleum and Mineral Resources, will coordinate remedial measures and work towards providing safe, potable water for residents.
“The state Ministry of Health has been directed to investigate the extent of exposure and determine the possible health impacts on people who may have consumed the contaminated water,” Kanu said.
According to him, the findings of the health investigation will guide further interventions, including plans to build a water treatment plant in the affected community to ensure long-term water safety.
“This proactive response reflects the government’s compassionate and people-centered approach to governance, ensuring timely solutions to protect vulnerable communities,” he added.
Kanu stressed that the ingestion of hydrocarbons poses serious health hazards, making swift government action critical.
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