Some analysts in the petroleum and gas industry have called on government to equip regulatory bodies to enforce safety laws at the pumps following the Atomic Junction Gas explosion on Saturday [ October,7 2017] which claimed seven lives.
In addition, government has been urged to strictly ensure that gas and fuel stations are placed at least 500meters away from each other to enhance safety.
The Atomic Gas explosion which many believe could have been avoided has opened the debate of safety standards at the fuel pumps.
Principal Research Analyst at the Institute of Energy Security Richmond Rockson maintained that the laws governing the operations of fuel pumps must be strictly enforced to avoid such needless explosions at the pumps.
“Where we have enough space we don’t think that we should be able to site filling stations close to each other. NPA laws and regulations do not allow it but unfortunately there are a number of areas that practice multiple filling stations situated close to each other.
We should be able to have some reasonable distance even if it is 500meters away from each other. We should also be able to site it away from where people are” he said.
Mr. Rockson stated that enforcing the safety measures are the only way to save lives and properties at fuel pumps.
Meanwhile, all economic activities around the explosion site are expected to come to a halt for weeks as the area is barricaded for investigations. Kwesi, a trader in footwear laments over the impact of the explosion on economic activities.
“I have lost all my wares. I think I will move out of here because operating from here is no more safe”.
The Minister for Energy Boakye Agyarko who visited the explosion site has reiterated the need for the gas cylinder circulation policy as it will guarantee safety.
“We have to go back to the gas cylinder recirculation policy rather than allow tankers to come into the heavily populated area. I think we ought to certainly go back to that”.
Meanwhile, Vice President Dr. Mahamadu Bawumia has assured that government will come out with a new policy to deal with the situation to enhance safety.
“We need a solid policy to deal with this matter. Once and for all. We are going to move to deal with it. It is not about committees and nothing gets done. We owe it to the country and the government is going to take this very seriously” he assured.
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By: Jessica Aryee/citibusinessnews.com/Ghana
