Residents of Ijegun community in Lagos State, specifically under Alimosho Local Government Area, can now breathe a sigh of relief as the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) has started comprehensive repairs on damaged petroleum product pipelines that have been abandoned for many years and have caused frequent leaks in Kolawole Akamo junction, Ijegun.
This was confirmed in a statement released yesterday. Mr. Muyiwa Akinwumi, Chairman HfC, MKudeyibu Estate, Mr Muyiwa Akinwunmi .
According to him, work has started in earnest on Saturday, September 9, 2023, on the damaged part of Petrol Pipeline along Ijeododo Road, Ijegun.
He said that the Engr Chinedu, who led the NNPC Maintenance Team informed the Onijegun of Ijegun representative and other Community leaders on inspection of the ongoing work that the replacement will cover all the already established damaged pipes.
Chinnedu also disclosed that all exposed pipes on the stretch up to the Sawmill area at Ayinde Street will be covered with laterite and concrete.
He said the pipeline repair is expected to be completed within 30 days.
It was gathered that the NNPC petrol pipeline that runs through Ijegun community has been the site of several accidents and disasters over the years, resulting in the loss of many lives and injuries, as well as property damage.
One of the most significant incidents occurred on May 15, 2008, when a bulldozer owned by a company contracted by the Lagos government to dualize the Ijegun-Isolo-Jakande Estate Road accidentally struck an underground pipeline, causing fuel to spill out and ignite.
The resulting explosion and fire destroyed more than 15 homes, 20 vehicles, and damaged the Ijegun Primary School.
In 2019, another oil pipeline fire disaster devastated parts of Ijegun, including the Ijeododo area. The cause of the explosion is unknown, but it is believed to have been caused by pipeline vandalism or sabotage.
The most recent one occurred in May 2023 thereby putting the residents of the area in panicking mode when the weak pipes ruptured again, and thousands of litres of PMS flowed endlessly into the canal. It was the quick intervention of the State actors and Community leaders that prevented what could have become a serious disaster.
It is hoped that this will be the first of many steps towards improving the quality of life for the residents of the area Kudeyibu Estate and Irede CDAs both in Ijegun Township.