There are strong indications that five petroleum companies may have got approval from the Federal Government to build new tank farms around Satellite Town area of Lagos State, even as residents of the area have strongly frowned at the idea, saying that the construction of more tank farms in the developing area will disturb their peace and tranquility.
There are strong indications that five petroleum companies may have got approval from the Federal Government to build new tank farms around Satellite Town area of Lagos State, even as residents of the area have strongly frowned at the idea, saying that the construction of more tank farms in the developing area will disturb their peace and tranquility.
Shipping Position Daily findings revealed that Satellite Town which is within the Amiwo Odofin Local Government Area in Lagos State, despite its aristocratic history and serene nature, is gradually becoming a choice location for Nigerian billionaires who are looking to make money in the oil business through depot construction.
Already, a tank farm known as First Deepwater Discovery Limited in the area has already set the pace in this business and it has amidst several complaints from the residents of the area as a result of the constant traffic gridlock, started operating its tank farm constructed in the community.
Shipping Position Daily investigations last week however revealed that the residents of the area are in for a tough time as five new locations are already being developed around the deepwater depot which sources hinted that it is meant for tank farm construction.
Our correspondent noticed that already, one of the tank farms is already under construction as one of the companies has already moved man and material to site for full scale development and construction work.
Even though most of the area is surrounded by water, some tanker drivers who spoke on the new development said that owners of the proposed tank farms intent to build an alternative route on the water which will serve as an exit for petroleum tankers coming to load product at the place.
A tanker driver who identified himself as Sheriff Obalola said that “They said that the road will be used by trucks that are exiting the depot, they will follow the road which will lead straight to Alakija, if this is done, the entry road here which will be serving all the depots will not be congested”
According to him, the owners of the five upcoming tank farms also intends to use a large expanse of land around the place strictly for the construction of truck parks which will ensure that only trucks that are programmed and invited are allowed to load petroleum product at the depot.
Meanwhile, residents of Satellite area have frowned at the idea of having diversion of tank farm construction to their residential homes; they told our correspondent that it is a highly dangerous venture, considering the inflammable nature of the commodities which the tankers will be carrying.
One of the residents who volunteered to speak under anonymity said that “the construction of new depots in this vicinity is a complete threat to our freedom of movement and our daily life, the tanker drivers no matter how they may appear to be under control now are unruly set of people and they will take over all the roads just like we have in Apapa and kirikiri, we are begging the government to please stop this madness from happening”
Another resident, Mr. Felix Okpara said that residents are not in support of these tank farms springing up, except they are going to have an alternative route. Speaking, he said “this place is just like a close and not a major road, and if they decide to widen the road they might destroy many structures that is already on ground, if they have an alliance with the government they can fashion a way to lead to Alakija”
“Some of the big fishes in our society sometimes like to do things which at the end of the day it is the poor men that will suffer it. They are always inconveniencing our daily activities, most times when the tankers are many, the traffic will be so bad that even the tricycles will not be able to pass through, the passengers will now have to start trekking far distance to get to their destination” he explained.
However, a management staff of Deepwater Depot who spoke under anonymity confirmed that the company had faced serious oppositions from residents of the area when it was about to come up, and that there had always been traffic challenges when they started.
He however said that all these is now a thing of the past because the company has constituted a strong group of Vehicle Inspection Officers (VIO) who are now ensuring that there is smooth flow of traffic.
Discussion about this post