Matik Kueth
Africa-Press – South-Sudan. Joseph Bangasi Bakosoro, Minister of Presidential Affairs and Governor Manytuil speak to media in Bentiu refinery field on Saturday [Photo: Courtesy]
South Sudan’s government is planning to renovate the Unity State refinery within six months to improve oil production and boost the country’s economy.
Addressing the media at Unity Oil Field in Bentiu on Saturday, Minister of Presidential Affairs, Joseph Bakosoro, urged the public to remain calm, emphasising that the refinery would be operating within six months, ensuring that fuel will be accessible on the market.
“I appeal to our public that let us be patient, within six to eight months from today, the refinery will be operational, roads will be constructed, and fuel will be abundant in the market,” Bakosoro said.
He appealed to the area governor Dr Joseph Manytuil to ensure the safety of the companies and contractors operating in the oil field.
Bakosoro stated that the project would create job opportunities for the locals as well as build hospitals and schools.
“We also encourage the governor of the state to provide enough security to the companies and the contractors who are operating in the field. And we are looking at the benefits of this project on the civil population of this area. Most of them will be employed, the community will have schools and hospitals,” he stated.
Joseph Manytuil, Unity State’s governor, echoed Bakosoro’s sentiment, noting that the project will provide services to residents living near the refinery.
“We had a very good discussion and we also touched on the services that will be delivered to people around the refinery in terms of services including health, schools, water, and road connectivity. All these things are embodied in the project that is going to off soon,” he emphasised.
Bernand Amuor, Managing Director of Nile Petroleum Operating Company, stressed that the refinery is the government’s top priority for 2024 and the only method to handle South Sudan’s impending economic crisis.
“This a very big visit for us as Nilepet moves towards its business portfolios to improve in terms of revenues, refinery is our top priority for 2024. And I’m bringing this delegation to have a firsthand look into what we have and what we need to build on. And how do we address the current looming economic challenges in our country,” he said.
He added, “And refinery will be one of the solutions for us to have a strong economy. The crisis in Sudan has been alarming for us in terms of exports.”
On April 20, 2024, Bakosoro, who also serves as the Nilepet Chairperson Board of Directors (NBOD), led a High-Level Delegation comprised of Joint Operating Companies (JOC) and partners to assess the working conditions of oil production and environmental effects in the Bentiu oil refinery Field.
Governor Manytuil warmly welcomed the delegation over the weekend. The Kenya Commercial Bank (KCB) will fund the refinery improvement, which is expected to cost $35 million, according to experts.
Source: The City Review South Sudan
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