Explosion: Ogun extends gas sale ban to AC, fridge repairs

By Dada Jackson

The Ogun State Government has extended the ban on sale of gas to all cooling system servicing and other related repairs (especially for air-conditioning and refrigerating units) across the state until further notice.
The Special Adviser to the Governor on Environment, Mr Ola Oresanya, stated this in a statement made available to Newstrends on Sunday.
According to him, this is in furtherance of the state government’s bid for safety of lives and property to an earlier ban on the production, sale and usage of industrial and welding gas in the state.
Oresanya pointed out that this was to allow for proper investigation into recent gas explosions in the state, arising from sources suspected to have engaged in the adulteration of this combustible product, which has led to loss of lives.
He said that technicians specialising in the repair and servicing of these cooling systems, and dealers on the affected gas types, are directed to adhere strictly to this ban in their own interest and that of the public.
His words: “With the recent incident of gas explosions in Ogun State, the state government, in its bid to ensure that no further lives are lost through similar circumstances, or any other avoidable circumstance whatsoever, is placing a ban on all cooling system-related gas sales, purchase and use, until further notice.”
The special adviser called on all dealers, retailers and technicians in these combustible products to comply immediately with the ban as the state government would clamp down on any outlet or individual found to flout the order.
While praying for the repose of the souls of those that had lost their lives in the unfortunate incidents, Oresanya commiserated with their families, saying, “these are trying times, you are in our prayers.”
He called for the understanding of the general public on this new directive, adding that it was taken in the interest of all.
He said that the taskforce set-up responsively by the Prince Dapo Abiodun-led state government would look into the recent incidents of gas explosions in the state.
He stressed that the body would be out to uncover all unethical practices associated with the entire supply chain of the various highly inflammable gas products, suspected to have been adulterated, as the task force had commenced the engagement of critical stakeholders in the energy sector.
Oresanya called on those affected with the temporary ban to bear with the state government as the decision was taken in the interest of public safety.