By Segun Giwa
Akure = The Ondo State Government has directed all owners of gas or skid plants to comply with the state government’s physical planning rules and operating guidelines.
The Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Development, Mr Solagbade Amodeni, gave the directive in Akure on Monday when he received members of the state chapter of the Association of Gas Plant Owners.
Amodeni said that even though the establishment of gas plants would create employment opportunities for the people, such projects should be executed in conformity with all the requirements of extant physical planning rules.
He warned that the current state administration would not condone any action that contravened the laws of the land.
Amodeni reiterated the government’s position on outlawing the construction gas plants and additional petrol stations along Arakale Road in Akure.
Earlier, Mr Wale Ogunmade, who spoke on behalf of the association, commended the government’s efforts to eliminate substandard gas plants in the state.
Ogunmade said that indiscriminate construction of gas stations had constituted risks to lives and properties in recent times.
He conveyed the association’s opposition to the proliferation of gas stations in residential areas where fire hydrants were not available.
He said that the only fire station in Akure, the state capital, might not be within range of the stations, thereby endangering the lives of the residents.