Bayelsa State government says it will engage host communities to ensure effective implementation of the Host Community Development Trust. The state Commissioner for Environment, Mr. Ebi Ololo stated this weekend in Yenagoa at a town hall meeting organised by the African Centre for Leadership, Strategy and Development, Kebetchache Women Development and Resource Centre and Mac-Jim Foundation to sensitise host communities on the implementation of the Petroleum Industry Act, PIA. Ololo stressed that the successful implementation of the PIA’s host communities’ provisions was crucial for the sustainable development and enduring peace in the state. “Over the coming weeks and months, the ministry will work out modalities to engage communities extensively to ensure the implementation plans of the Host Community Development Trust. Only through close collaboration can we ensure that the benefits reach the people who need them the most,” he said.
In a goodwill message, the Executive Director of Kebetchache Women Development and Resource Centre, Dr. Emem Okon said ‘the host community development scheme should be implemented to benefit communities, particularly the women folk and also address pressing needs of the communities. According to her, “he PIA and the host community development scheme should create opportunities for local communities to participate in the governance process and ensure they benefit from it” adding, “the most important benefit is improving the quality of life of community member.”
Also speaking, the traditional ruler of Ebebele community in Ogbia local government area, His Royal Highness, David Osene Osene commended the Federal Government for initiating the billing to develop and transform the host communities. He, however, called for transparency in the implementation of the Act to benefit the host communities, so as to give the people a sense of belonging. The monarch said most of the communities were not aware of the provisions of the PIA. A participant, Mrs. Esther Orubo from Otuabagi community lamented that the PIA did not capture the interest of the women, pointing out that the Act has rather deepened the suffering of Otuabagi women.
