site shows widespread damage, including to mangroves which are an important fish breeding ground. The pipe that burst is the responsibility of the Shell Petroleum Development Company (SPDC). SPDC has reportedly stated that the spill was only reported to them on 5 October of that year. Rivers State Ministry of Environment was informed of the leak and its devastating consequences on 12 October. A Ministry official is reported to have visited the site on 15 October. However, the leak was not stopped until 7 November. On 25 June 2001 residents of Ogbobo explosion from a pipeline, which spilled over notified day; the Shell however, working surrounding Petroleum it was for SPDC came Rivers State heard a loud had ruptured. Crude oil from the pipe land and Development not in until waterways. Company several days to the site to deal The (SPDC) later with the following that the community a contractor oil spill. The oil subsequently caught fire. Some 42 communities were affected as the oil moved through the water system. The communities’ water supply, which came from the local waterway, was contaminated. 500-litre plastic tanks of water to Ogbodo, Although SPDC SPDC brought ten but only after several days. refilled the tank every two to three days, 10 tanks are insufficient for their needs, and are emptied within hours of refilling. People in the respiratory area complained problems. The of numerous situation was so symptoms, dire that including some families reportedly evacuated the area, but most had no means of leaving Though companies communities have construct engaged water and in development sanitation projects facilities to and help some individuals and families have received payments however, some of these development projects and compensations have been criticised as inadequate and poorly executed. Hundreds of thousands of people are affected, particularly the poorest and other most vulnerable sectors of the population, and those who rely on traditional livelihoods such as fishing and agriculture. 5|Page