By Stanley Nwanosike, Enugu
In a bid to survive the high cost of kerosene, some residents of Enugu have adopted the habit of secretly cutting down trees in green verge areas of the metropolis as a source of firewood.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that a litre of kerosene sells for between N450 and N400 in the metropolis, showing an over 50 per cent increase.
According to the report, the product is rarely found in filing stations, rather it is stocked at various black markets and illegal spots within the city.
NAN correspondent who monitored the development, reports that many trees in the Green Belt Zones of the city especially the one opposite Okpara Square, had continued to disappear every break of the day.
Investigation had shown that some of the trees were burnt down from their roots; while others were hewed down with axe at odd times.
The area which is now dotted with small pieces of split woods, suggests human activities, but no arrest has been made.
Sources say that investigation has began.
Responding, Enugu State Commissioner for Environment, Fidel Ayogu, revealed that he was unaware of the development, adding that he would personally investigate the development.
“I have noted all you said and I will personally lead some staff of the (Environment) Ministry to observe the development and know the necessary action to take,” Ayogu assured.
He, however, noted also that some trees in the city were bending to the roads or covering the views of motorists along the streets in the metropolis and were cut down recently.
“While some that have stopped growing, flowering as well as withering were also cut down and new ones planted to replace them to add to the aesthetic of the coal city,” the commissioner said.
Reacting, a resident of Umuoji Street close to Okpara Sqaure, Sunday Ugwuani, told NAN that the current happening was natural.
Ugwuani said that human beings, who have instinct for survival, must find ways to feed and live like others, even in their poor or low economic status.
“Looking at the situation as an elder that had lived in the area for over 30 years; I don’t blame them for finding ways to cook for their families, People must feed notwithstanding the high cost of kerosene,” he said.
Another resident, Obinna Anikwe, said that the development was a failure of the under-utilisation of our refineries that should provide kerosene for the benefit of the generality of the people especially poor households.
“It is a reflection of the economic hardship, lack and hunger in the land,” Anikwe said.