Justina Paaga, GNA
Shama (WR), Sept. 28,
GNA – All is set for Ghana National Gas Company limited (Ghana Gas) to commence
the payment of compensation to individuals and communities that would be
affected following the relocation of Karpowership from Tema to the Western
Naval Base in Sekondi.
The necessary land and
property valuation have been completed and Ghana Gas is ready to begin payment
to the affected people in October this year.
Ing Robert Kofi
Lartey, Director of Operation at Ghana Gas, who made this known during a
community durbar at Shama in the Western Region, said the Company has followed
the laid down procedures and all those affected by the relocation would be duly
compensated.
The Durbar attended by
chiefs, queen mothers, representatives from GRICO, ECG, Environmental
Protection Agency (EPA), Ghana National Petroleum Corporation (GNPC) and the
affected communities made up of Inchaban, Aboadze, Essipon and Ngreise was under
the theme “Effective Community Engagement an Essential Component in Promoting
Economic Development”.
The durbar was to
enable Ghana Gas to further sensitize all stakeholders in the areas of
operations of Karpowership to its principle of having a transparent,
trustworthy and sustainable relationship.
Ing Lartey explained
that any further delay in the relocation of the plant to Sekondi would cost the
nation some 40 million dollars monthly, “It is an aggressive programme and we
will run with speed so no one should cross us with unnecessary litigations”.
The Karpowership is
expected to added 470 megawatts to the national grid for 20 years.
The Director of
Operations said the relocation of the plant was part of plans to get cheaper fuel
such as gas from Atuabo for the plant to have easier and constant power supply.
He noted that the
relocation would bring more positives than negatives impact to both the
government and communities, adding that the plant would now operate at a lower
cost, create job opportunities as well as ensure massive development in the
beneficiary communities.
Ing Lartey in this
regard urged the beneficiary communities to cooperate with Ghana Gas to
successfully relocate the plant, since they stood to benefit more than lose.
He said Ghana Gas
normally made its presence felt anywhere it found itself, adding that with the
relocation of the Karpowership, the affected communities would not be neglected
but rather they would be provided with the needed amenities including good
roads, bridges and skills training for the youth.
He said alternative
livelihood programmes would also be put in place to support those who would be
directly affected by the relocation of the plant and that a greater percentage
of profit from the operations of the plant would be used for community
activities.
Ing Lartey stated that
Ghana Gas had done extensive engagements with the various communities along the
pipeline of the plant and commended the chiefs, opinion leaders and youth for
their cooperation and support and urged them to act as intelligence security.
Mr Anthony K.K Sam Metropolitan
Chief Executive of Sekondi -Takoradi Metropolitan Assembly (STMA), was happy
that Karpowership was going to be relocated to the Western Region, stressing
that it would go a long way to provide cheaper power supply to the numerous
industries springing up in the industrial enclave of the Region.
He said it would also
help address the jobs needs of the youth in the Region since new industries
would be established and pledged that they should closely work with Ghana Gas
for the successful relocation of the plant.
Ogyeahoho Yaw Gyebi
II, President of the Western Region house of chiefs who presided commended the
government and Ghana Gas for relocating the plant to the western region which
he noted is another plus for the western region.
He pledged that the
chiefs would do everything in their capacity to prevent unnecessary hindrances
that might affect the operations of the plant.
Karpowership is the
only owner, operator and builder of the first Powership, (floating power plant)
fleet in the world. It is operational in Ghana, Indonesia Lebanon and Zambia.
GNA