A public hearing has been held on the Delta State Environmental Conservation Bill as part of the legislative process of the making of the new law.
The public hearing held at the State House of Assembly Complex, Asaba and presided over by Chairman, House Committee on Environment, Oil and Gas, Hon Ekpotuareyin Pullah was attended by critical stakeholders, including the lead sponsor of the bill, Hon Emomotimi Guwor, representing Warri South West in the House.
Stakeholders who made both written and oral presentations, include the state ministries of Environment, Justice, Oil and Gas, and Urban Renewal as well as some prospecting oil companies operating in Delta state including SEPLAT.
There were divergent views whether or not the proposed law should be made, even as some of the participants suggested amendments to some of the clauses to make the proposed law more encompassing for effective implementation.
The Chairman, Committee on Environment, Oil and Gas Hon Ekpotuareyin Pullah who represents Burutu two Constituency in the House, said there should be a conservation law to manage the environment.
Hon Pullah and other members of the committee who spoke, including Hon Anthony Elekeokwuri,
explained that the public hearing was to gather the inputs of major stakeholders in the proposed law.
The Lawmakers assured that all the suggestions and proposals advanced by stakeholders during the public hearing would be critically examined in putting together the final report of the Committee on the bill.
The lead sponsor of the bill, Hon Emomotimi Guwor expressed optimism of early passage of the State Environmental Conservation bill which he said is to preserve the future of the environment.
Hon Guwor who is the Chairman, House Committee on Desopadec, stated that Deltans awaits the making of the new law, stressing that it implementation would help address several environmental challenges in the state.
He commended the State House of Assembly Committee on Environment, Oil and Gas for organizing the public hearing and stakeholders in the Environment sector for their far reaching contributions and presentations.
Hon Guwor gave assurance that the remaining legislative process would be concluded as soon as possible.
The Lawmaker said the Committee on Environment, Oil and Gas is expected to submit its report on the floor of the House to allow for further scrutining by Committee of Whole before the third reading and possible passage of the proposed law.