The Project Coordination Officer (PCO), Hydrocarbon Pollution Remediation Project (HYPREP) has blamed community disputes, and chieftaincy tussles in over 130 sites for delays in Ogoniland clean-up projects.
HYPREP Project Coordinator, Prof Nenibarini Zabbey, said it is leveraging on the existing cooperation from community members to speedily execute some of the projects, which include shoreline remediation, mangrove restoration, livelihoods programmes and construction works, such as Ogoni Specialist Hospital.
Zabbey, who disclosed this during an interactive session with Ogoni religious leaders, emphasised the commitment of the Federal Government to the successful implementation of the clean-up project.
He recognised the important role that religious leaders play in the fabric of Ogoni society, urged them to lend their voices to the course, amplify the message of environmental stewardship and civic education within their congregations and beyond, and use their platforms to disseminate relevant information on the progress of work.
The project coordinator said: “The enormity of the task before us and the moral burden of delivering on our mandate of a cleaner Ogoni environment and restoration of the livelihood of our people have continued to inspire us to do the right things. The commitment of the Federal Government to the successful implementation of the clean-up project remains unwavering.
“This is why we have put in internal monitoring and evaluation mechanisms to ensure that projects are not only fit for purpose but are also delivered within cost and timely.”
IN a related development, Zabbey charged Ogoni entrepreneurs and business owners to learn about procurement procedures and explore potential business partnerships within the Ogoni community and beyond.
He gave the charge at a Procurement and Business Strategy Workshop held in Port Harcourt to address concerns about community participation in HYPREP contract bids and to enhance the participation of Ogonis.
He said the goal of the workshop was to create a thriving ecosystem where local business interests can benefit and flourish from opportunities made available through HYPREP. Zabbey affirmed his commitment to fostering sustainable development, empowering local communities, and building structures for peace.
“HYPREP envisions a future where the livelihoods of hydrocarbon-impacted communities are fully restored for inclusive and sustainable economic prosperity, a future where the Ogoni people also play a central role in shaping their destiny by embracing new ideas for development.
“As a community-based project, we recognise that there have been concerns within the community regarding low community participation in the procurement processes and access to business opportunities due to a limited understanding of some processes and procedures.
“We are here to address some of those concerns and chart a new course that prioritises community participation, transparency, fairness, and inclusivity. We will continue providing platforms for interaction, knowledge acquisition, and collaboration,” he said.
