Multiple gas explosion: Ogun extends ban to repairs, servicing of refrigerators, air conditioners
Bankole Taiwo, Abeokuta
Ogun State government, over the weekend, extended the ban on further sales of industrial gas to gas-related servicing and repairs of all cooling systems, especially as it involves air-conditioning and refrigerating units across the state until further notice.
This move, according to statement signed by the Special Adviser to the governor on Environment, Mr Ola Oresanya was to allow for proper investigation into recent gas explosions in the state arising from sources suspected to have engaged in the adulteration of these combustible products leading to loss of nine lives under 10 days.
Mr Ola Oresanya appealed to the technicians who specialise in the repairs and servicing of these cooling systems as well as dealers in the affected gas types to adhere strictly to this ban in their own interest and that of the public.
The Special Adviser explained that “with the recent incidence of gas explosions in Ogun state, the state government in its bid to ensure that no further lives are lost through similar circumstances, or any other avoidable circumstance whatsoever is placing a a ban on all cooling systems related gas sales, purchase and use, until further notice and compliance is not optional.”
He has therefore called on all dealers, retailers and technicians in these combustible products to comply immediately with the ban as the state government will clamp down on any outlet or individual that flouts the order.
While praying for the repose of the souls of those that have lost their lives in the unfortunate incidents, the Special Adviser commiserated with their families saying, “these are indeed trying times but our minds are with you in prayers. May the Lord God comfort those who have lost their dear ones in these unfortunate incidents.”
Mr Oresanya assured that the taskforce set up responsively by the government to look into recent incidences of gas explosions in Ogun State, is out to uncover all unethical practices associated with the entire supply chains of the various highly inflammable gas products, suspected to have been adulterated.
He disclosed that the task force had commenced the engagement of critical stakeholders in the energy sector, calling on those affected with the temporary ban (manufacturers, dealers technicians and others), to bear with the state government as the decision was taken in the interest of public safety.
