A multi-billion-naira indigenous manufacturing project in Gbarain, Yenagoa Local Government Area of Bayelsa State, has been forced to suspend operations after severe erosion devastated parts of the facility.
The Eraskon Lubricant and Chemicals Blending Plant, promoted by Erasko Energy Limited, was designed to produce lubricants and other industrial chemicals while creating about 1,200 direct and indirect jobs. The project, which sits on 45 hectares of land, was reportedly over 90 per cent completed before the erosion crisis stalled construction.
Chairman of Erasko Energy Limited, Maxwell Oko, said the company has suffered massive losses, with completed sections of the facility washed away by erosion.
“The factory building was almost completed before it was swallowed by erosion. We have also been unable to install critical equipment because of the damage caused to the site,” Oko said.
He warned that the erosion is now threatening two storage tanks with a combined capacity of four million litres, while noting that the company is also struggling to repay loans obtained for the project.
The Paramount Ruler of Obunagha Community, HRH Yeseibo Peremobowei, appealed to the federal and Bayelsa State governments to urgently intervene to prevent the total collapse of the investment.
Also speaking during an inspection of the facility, the member representing Yenagoa/Kolokuma/Opokuma Federal Constituency, Oboku Oforji, described the situation as alarming and pledged to raise the matter before the National Assembly.
“This project has enormous economic value. It will create jobs, boost government revenue and improve livelihoods. It must not be allowed to perish because of erosion,” Oforji said.
He disclosed plans to sponsor a motion seeking urgent intervention and the release of ecological funds to protect the facility from further destruction.