AK TO SUPPLY GAS TO IPP, RULSAL ALSCON SOON

Akwa Ibom State Government has concluded plans to supply gas to Ibom Power Plant (IPP) and RUSAL ALSCON in Ikot Abasi.
This follows a memorandum of understanding signed between the State Government and Septa Energy Nigeria Limited to lay gas pipeline from Uquo Ibeno to Ibom Power Plant and Rusal Alscon.
Addressing the occasion, the Commissioner for Environment and Mineral Resources, Obong Eno Akpan said the essence of the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) is to create understanding and consolidate the existing cordial relationship between the SEPTA Energy and the host communities. He said administration of Godswill Akpabio is interested on sustainable development and that is why every investor in the state must have government support and urged the five local government areas that the gas pipeline will pass through to cooperate with SEPTA Energy to achieve this laudable project.
The host communities are Ikpa – Ibekwe Clan, Ukpum – Ete Clan, and Okon Clan located in Ikot Abasi Local Government Area, Ukpum Minya Clan and Ikpa Ibom Clan located in Mkpat Enin Local Government Area, Oniong Clan and Nung Ndem Clan located in Onna Local Government Area, Afaha Clan and Idua Clan in Eket Local Government Area and Eket Offiong Clan and Edo Communities in Esit Eket Local Government Area.
According to him, the State Government viewed MOU very seriously as it is out to minimize conflict and ensure that the host communities are not cheated while local content is considered in every project, and to protect investors as well as ensure that projects are completed on scheduled.
The Community Relations Manager of SEPTA Energy, Mr. Ekpelegho Joseph said the company will maintain sustainable community development in the area by reducing unemployment through the use of local contractors, provision of basic educational materials, health support to reduce the prevalence of malaria and support for sports activities.
The Paramount Ruler of Onna and Oku Ibom Ibibio III, Edidem Akpabio Udo Ukpa commended the State Government and Septa Loyalty Energy for this laudable project and pledged Loyalty and cooperation with the company.
He appealed to the Company to reduce unemployment by employing youths into the company as this will minimize youth’s restiveness in the area.
Others who spoke were the Paramount Ruler of Eket, Edidem Timtingiko Enodien and that of Ikot Abasi, Edidem Ntuk Obom, and Barr. Gloria Umoren representing AKS Attorney-General.
Meanwhile a committee has been set up to review the memorandum of understanding between host communities and Septa Energy.