The Mayor of Port Harcourt, Ezebunwo Ichemati, has prohibited the retail sales of Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) in residential areas within the Port Harcourt City local government area.

The decision comes on the heels of a recent gas explosion at the Oroazi community in Obio Akpor local government, which resulted in two deaths and over 10 people still hospitalized.

Ichemati in a statement directed businesses engaging in LPG retail sales within residential areas to relocate immediately.

He also extended condolences to the families of the victims, the Oroazi community, and the Obio Akpor local government.

To ensure compliance, Ichemati’s administration plans to set up an enforcement committee.

The move, he added, aimed to prevent similar incidents in the future and guarantee the safety of residents.

He said, “We sympathize with the victims of the explosion, and it is unfortunate that lives have been lost to such an act.

“In Port Harcourt City Local Government, we are taking steps to ensure that gas retail shops located near residential areas are closed down.

“A committee will be established to inspect sites where these shops are operating in unsuitable locations, and we will shut them down.”

Ichemati added that “We will organize a town hall meeting soon to discuss this issue with the business owners and explain why operating such businesses in residential areas is not advisable.”