03 September 2013, Port Harcourt – Total E&P has handed over the Obiozimini Beach Road it constructed in Obiozimini community to the people of the area.
Speaking at the commissioning ceremony in Obiozimini, Ogba Egbema Ndoni Local Government Area, the General Manager, JVA Field Operations, Total, Mr Jean Clude Vachet, said the road was economically viable and important to people of the area and the local government.
Continuing, he said the road would further help to attract development to the area even as he assured that the oil giant would maintain its warm relationship with its host communities.
“This road will provide access to the great Sombreiro River with its quality of sharp sand. The beach road will not only provide resource for building construction within the Egi communities and beyond, but will also be a ready loading bay to feed the upcoming float glass industry. This will provide excellent business opportunities for entrepreneurs and help in creating jobs for our teeming youths.”
The Chairman of the Community Development Committee, Mr Ewe Mbadike, thanked the company for the road, and pleaded with the French oil giant to connect the Onoshi-ulo to Onoshi-Umu-Nkweke Road to also open up the entire area for development.
Continuing, he also appealed to Total to commence direct drilling of its oil and gas deposit. “We therefore demand that the prestigious Total E &P Nigeria Limited should include and enlist Obiozimini community into the oil and gas producing communities and families (OML 58 Consultative committee). Instead of performing a directional drilling, we invite you to come and drill our oil and gas directly in our land,” he pleaded.
Total thereafter, urged the community to take ownership of the road, stressing that they should “guard it jealously hereafter”.
– Jimitota Onoyume, Vanguard
