Overview:
The Petroleum Authority said it is satisfied that the agreed procedures, when implemented, will ensure the safety and well-being of all during the oil and gas operations.
The Petroleum Authority of Uganda (PAU) has lifted the suspension of works at the Kingfisher Development Area (KFDA) in Kikuube District. A statement from the Authority said it has reviewed and realigned the safety protocols with the operator for overall improvement in the Health, Safety, and Environment (HSE) culture and practices during operations.
“This step has been taken after a rigorous examination of all standard procedures to ensure that the health and safety requirements are being robustly implemented by all contractors and sub-contractors. The Authority has reviewed and realigned the safety protocols with the operator for overall improvement in the HSE culture and practices during operations” reads part of the statement quoting the Authority’s Executive Director, Ernest Rubondo.
The Petroleum Authority said it is satisfied that the agreed procedures, when implemented, will ensure the safety and well-being of all during the oil and gas operations. The statement did not however mention who is to foot the cost of the week-long suspension because it definitely had ramifications in terms of time lost, keeping a redundant workforce and equipment at the camps.
The suspension is likely to affect the timelines in terms of work programs that were approved by the Authority for the Kingfisher Development Project. The Corporate Affairs and Public Relations Manager at the Petroleum Authority of Uganda, Gloria Sebikaari said: “The issue of cost will be discussed at an appropriate time. The priority now is to enhance safety.”
The oil and gas sector in Uganda is subject to one of the toughest Health, Safety, and environmental requirements. Operators are required to ensure that oil and gas activities are undertaken in a manner that preserves human health and installations. The Petroleum Authority has a directorate that is mandated to ensure that licensees take the necessary measures to prevent incidents, hazards, and accidents and limit their consequences to human health and the environment.
Licensees are required to take the necessary measures to prevent and reduce the number of accidents among employees that are likely to result in loss of time for work, disability, or fatality to the employees. Last Friday a truck belonging to one of the subcontractors at the Kingfisher Project in Kikuube crushed and killed a security guard. The guard was reportedly opening the gate when he got crushed to death. The project is currently in the construction stage and is expected to start commercial production in 2025.
Drilling of wells has been ongoing since early in January when President Museveni commissioned the exercise.