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Saturday, June 21, 2014
Uganda set for 2018 oil mark
KAMPALA, UGANDA - The outgoing Total E&P General Manager for Uganda Loic Laurandel has said Uganda’s target of starting commercial oil production in 2017 or 2018 is achievable if they can quickly address the concerns that were raised the oil sector baseline survey report.
Laurandel who will depart Uganda later this month to take up new roles for his company in Bolivia, told a media Lunchoen that if Uganda can fast track the training of its personnel, work on the infrastructure, quickly approve the Environment Impact Assessment Plans and extend electricity to the production areas, there is no reason for not attaining the 2018 oil production target.
“If the government can quickly work on the infrastructure, labour force and other needs why not? I think that target can be met,” said Laurandel while answering a question about whether Uganda can start oil production in the set dates.
Total E&P is one of the three oil companies that were licensed by Uganda’s government to carry out oil exploration and appraisal.
They came in 2012 after acquiring one third of British explorer Tullow Oil’s exploration assets in the country for a total of $2.9 billion together with Chinese explorers China National Offshore Oil Corporation.
He said so far, Total has invested close to $2b in Uganda without any return on investment.
“Imagine investing all that amount of money with no returns as yet,” he told the media.
Laurandel said they are decreasing operations in many of their oil wells/sites.
“We have sent many of our employees abroad to different countries like Qatar to develop their capacity and mentorship,” said Laurandel.
It is mandatory for Total E&P employees to be moved to other destinations after serving four years in a certain country. Laurandel has served his four year term in Uganda.
Currently, Total E&P is drilling about eight oil wells in Uganda.
Laurandel said one of the key challenges he has faced in Uganda is negotiating with government on oil contracts and operating in a national park.
He concurred with the government over the contruction of a mini sized refinery to process oil and other products for the local and regional market.
By Paul Tentena, Saturday, June 21st, 2014