The Hydrocarbon Pollution Remediation Project has made significant progress in restoring fragile ecosystems by restoring mangroves and cleaning shorelines in heavily impacted areas of Ogoniland, according to Nenibarini Zabbey, the HYPREP project coordinator.

Mr Zabbey stated this on Tuesday in Abuja.

The HYPREP, he said, is marking its 10th anniversary by showcasing a comprehensive scorecard of achievements in the environmental and socio-economic restoration of Ogoniland.

He commended the support from various local and international stakeholders and reiterated his commitment to the comprehensive remediation of the hydrocarbon-impacted environment and restoration of livelihoods in affected communities.

The HYPREP PC said that the successful cleanup of over 1,000 ha of shoreline and the restoration of 560 ha with thriving, multi-species mangroves are stimulating biodiversity recovery and enhancing local fisheries.

He said that Phase II of the shoreline cleanup and mangrove restoration is underway and that they were close to achieving total water supply coverage in the Ogoni communities.

Mr Zabbey added that 49 communities have so far been reticulated through multiple water schemes and booster stations designed to deliver safe drinking water across Ogoni.

He said that HYPREP also launched a three-year comprehensive human health biomonitoring in Ogoniland, saying that the study was carried out by the World Health Organisation’s International Agency for Research on Cancer.

Mr Zabbey added that HYPREP has prioritised the construction of legacy and socially transformative projects, such as the Ogoni Power Project and the Centre of Excellence for Environmental Restoration.

Mr Zabbey said that the project recently launched a bird survey of the Ogoni creeks.

(NAN)