By Ebi Kesiena
Host communities of multinational oil companies operating in Southern Ijaw Local Government Area of Bayelsa state, have called for the immediate implementation of the General Memorandum of Understanding (GMoU) to ensure that all communities are captured into the financial scheme of the oil companies.
During a meeting of Key Community-Based Stakeholders, Community Development Chairmen and Youth Presidents in oil bearing communities in Southern Ijaw LGA, the group stressed that host communities in the area have not being benefiting from oil companies.
The meeting which was graced by 28 oil bearing communities, pointed that for many years, multinationals liaising with enemies of Southern Ijaw to sabotage the livelihood of host communities in the LGA have reached their water loo, as they would work in unity to ensure that justice prevail.
In a joint statement signed by the host communities, the spokesman, Barrister Tonye Bunu demanded for provision of social amenities, intercommunity link roads, and improvement of electricity supply among others.
“As a host community we demand for the establishment of a liaison office in Yenagoa, the state capital for effective communication between the oil companies and community representatives.
“Provision of social amenities such as pipe borne water, electricity and building of modern hospitals in all host communities. Consideration of monthly stipends to host communities for all indigenes.
“Improvement of electricity supply as well as constant supply of diesel to communities whose power supply can no longer meet the increasing population.
“Constitution of intercommunity link roads and internal roads in host communities. Construction of modern primary and secondary schools, modern library and the award of scholarships to indigenes of the communities from secondary to tertiary institution.
“Establishment of skills acquisition centres in each of the clans that make up Southern Ijaw local government area. Surveillance contracts should be given directly to the host community,” the group said.
The host communities however demanded for a running pipeline in the community to foster speedy and effective communication between the multinationals and the host communities.
