THREE multi-national companies operating in Enugu State, the Nigerian Breweries Plc, the Nigerian Bottling Company and 7-UP Bottling Company have decried incessant vandalisation of their waste pipes along the Ajalli Owa axis, Ninth-mile corner in Udi Local Government.
Officials of the companies said vandals have continued to break the pipelines built to channel waste; a situation that now threatens economic activities in the area.
Presenting a brand new Hilux van to the Enugu State Government, NB Plc's Public Affairs Manager, Patrick Ejidoh, said his company was happy to collaborate with other sister companies to make the donation in line with their vision on corporate social responsibilities.
According to Ejidoh, the menace of erosion and pipeline vandalisation along the 9th Mile Water Channelisation is worrisome. He appealed to government to step up efforts that would facilitate surveillance on the pipelines.
He noted that vandalisation often led to water pollution, which, according to him, hampered economic activities of the companies and the people.
Representatives of the 7-UP Bottling Company and the NBC, Mr. Yinka Adesina and Mr. Emeka Eze, in separate speeches, said the collaboration was based on the need to assist government protect the environment.
Receiving the vehicle on behalf of the government, Commissioner for Environment and Mineral Resources, Mr. John Egbo, commended the three companies for their invaluable contributions to the socio-economic development of the State.
He noted that the companies had continued to show concern in the affairs of the state and restated the determination of government to provide the enabling environment for companies and individuals doing business in the state to thrive.
The commissioner explained that the companies had demonstrated full support to government's efforts at fighting crime, especially water pipe vandalization along the Ajalli-Owa axis and control of sand excavation within the 9th Mile corner effluent channel.
