Gov. Wike of Rivers State

Gov. Nyesom Wike of Rivers on Wednesday advised telecommunications companies to obey laws on the installation of masts, to avoid causing health hazards to people.

Wike gave the advice when the House of Representatives ad hoc committee set up to investigate the health implications of installing telecommunications masts near residential homes paid him a courtesy visit in Port Harcourt.

He said that the location of masts near residential homes was dangerous to the health of the people and, therefore, advised companies involved to desist from the act.

The governor expressed dissatisfaction that some corporate organisations were fond of flouting lawful orders, thereby endangering the lives of the people.

“The way these companies instal masts near homes will definitely create negative health implications; I support the investigation by the House to change the situation.”

Wike expressed satisfaction that those representing the state at the National Assembly were cooperating with his administration in spite of their political affiliations.

‘’In Rivers State, despite political differences, politics is played without bitterness and the interest of the people remains paramount to everybody.’’

He reiterated the determination of his administration to continue to execute meaningful projects and prudently utilize the state’s resources for the general development of the state.

Responding, the Chairman of the committee, Mr Iboro Ekanem, said that the mission of the committee was to ensure that all necessary technical measures were adopted to address the challenges posed by the act.

Ekanem said that the committee would work with the regulators and operators to ensure that the necessary procedures were adopted before presenting its report to the House.

He lauded the governor for implementing people-oriented projects in the state, adding that he merited the name, “Mr Projects’’, considering the quality infrastructure spread across the state.

(NAN)