By John Dugbe - Ughelli
The management of Saipem Nigeria Limited, handlers of the Southern Swamp Gas Gathering Project (SSGGP), has been advised to address its host communities’ demands before mobilising to site in order not to invoke the wrath of the host communities.
Dr. Randy Tam Zimughan and Friday Martins, Coordinating Chairman and General Secretary/Norgbene representative, respectively of the Amabolou Federated Communities (AFC) said the group suspended action on its earlier ultimatum due to timely intervention of the Bayelsa State Government and the State Security Services. The AFC, comprising Amabolou, Norgbene and Tamogbene communities in Bayelsa State, however said that said that despite their subscription to peace, Saipem remained adamant to its demands.
Their demands included “immediate patronage of our contractors, employment opportunities for our communities, residual payment of accruals since the project commenced, and immediate compliance with corporate social responsibility”.
Explaining reason for its earlier ultimatum, the AFC noted in a letter to Governor Seriake Dickson that “since the commencement of the project over one year ago, no one from AFC has been employed in spite of our co-ownership status”, adding:”the government of Bayelsa State under His Excellency, DSP Alamieyeseigha mediated and approved a ownership formula with tripartite signage”.
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