Satellite Town, a community in the Amuwo-Odofin Local Government Area of Lagos State has now become a shadow of itself , one major factor is the issue of Tank Farms in the area.
Residents of Satellite Town have petitioned the Federal Government over the indiscriminate sighting of tank farms and the blockage of water channels in the area.
The community stretches from Alakija to Abule Ado along the Badagry Express-way and the waterside area and beyond.
The Tank farms has indiscriminately taken over a large area of about of about half a kilometre that house over 12 tank farms.
The residents are fearful that the proliferation of tank farms, container terminals and bonded warehouses is a recipe disaster in the densely populated area.
According to the Chairman, Satellite Town Forum, Mr Governor Imitini, in a day, over 400 tankers loaded with petrol are trapped on the single narrow road, as fuel leaks from the trucks create panic among the residents.
Speaking to a resident, Mr John Nwoke , he bitterly complained of the risk that these tankers pose to residents and commuters in the area.
These tank farms and their activities have made life unbearable for residents and they are expose to high risk of explosion and loss of lives and properties.
Not only causing obstruction to movement, also drainage channels which aided flow of water when it rains have been blocked as these tank farms were constructed the channels which leaves the area in massive flooding.
Residential buildings, apartments are always submerged by flood whenever it rains, of recent many landlords have sold their properties in the area and tenants have moved out.
During the rainy season many individuals lost their properties as their homes were submerged.
Asides that the waste dumped and created by these tank farms such as oil oil spill in stagnant polluted water, and dampness; have increased by 100% environmental pollution in the area hence exposing the residents to looming threats of epidemic.”
To make things worse, there is a bonded terminal located at at Alakija with its unending fleet of trucks.
“To worsen the plight of the residents is another container terminal being constructed in Zone 2, Liverpool Estate, to add to the tank farms in the same vicinity.-
“The location of these facilities in this densely populated residential area without due consideration for residents, closeness to residential areas, and provision of alternative vehicular routes and adequate facilities, has negatively impacted the Satellite Town community. Mr Imitini.
He appealed to the ministers of Petroleum, Environment, Works and Transportation; as well as the Department of Petroleum Resources and the Nigerian Ports Authority and other relevant authorities to come to the aid of the community.
Appealing for the intervention of the Lagos State Government as well as the National Assembly and the Lagos State House of Assembly on the issue, Imitini added that many
Do you live in satellite Town and environs ? what are your experiences ? kindly share below.