The Ogun State Government says it has launched an investigation into the allegation that wastewater from a multinational company, International Breweries, had contaminated three rivers serving as sources of drinking water to several communities in Orile-Imo, in the Obafemi-Owode area of the state.
This development is coming after a report by PUNCH Healthwise detailed how the wastewater, channelled into the water sources, allegedly led to huge environmental contamination, threatening both humans and aquatic lives.
The report titled, ‘Multinational brewery’s wastewater contaminates Ogun communities’ water sources, destroys aquatic life’, was published on Sunday, August 27, 2023.
Speaking with PUNCH Healthwise on the development, the press officer, Ogun State Ministry of Environment, Mr. Rotimi Oduniyi told our correspondent on Tuesday that the state government has launched an investigation into the allegations levelled by the residents against the company.
He said, “Some people from the ministry will be embarking on an independent investigation. The government is ready to get to the root of this matter.
“We would need PUNCH in the course of our investigation and hope you will be available when needed.”
According to the report, residents of the communities relied on three ancient rivers – Ereku, Yemala, which they alleged have been contaminated and not fit for use due to their murky-coloured look and nauseous smell.
Among the affected communities are – Logbara, Kajola, Orile-Imo, Baara, Akinyemi, Idofa-Odo, Idofa-Oke, Bajila, Oguntayo, Olojo, Alakoka, Onibenbe, Awoo, Ogbara Onibata, Jibowu, Sangotedo and Lapooyo.
International Breweries, based on residents’ accounts, came to the area with developmental promises to set up a $250m plant, but according to them, the reverse seems to be the case as the company’s activities, they alleged, are impacting negatively on the environment and humans.
