Business News of Wednesday, 20 February 2013

Source: GNA

WAGPCO to resume gas operation to Ghana on April 30

The West Africa Gas Pipeline Company (WAGPCO) has set April 30 as the tentative day of resuming gas flow through its pipeline.

“If all things go well, by April 30, 2013, gas should start flowing,” Mrs Harriet Wereko-Brobby, General Manager in charge of Corporate Affairs of WAGPCO gave the assurance on Tuesday, during an interaction with the media at Aboadze in the Shama District of the Western Region.

She said the damaged gas pipeline is receiving intensive repairs including tests for leakages.

She said while fisher folks, shipping companies and stakeholders are being educated on the need to protect the pipelines during their operations at sea, Naval personnel from the four countries have also been charged to protect the facility.

Mrs Wereko Brobby said efforts are underway for WAGPCO to enter into an agreement with Togo’s Navy to institute strict surveillance on the gas equipment to avoid damage.

The Company has adopted the Environmental Impact Assessment Plan to free the environment from pollution.

In December 2008, the first free flow of gas in small quantities traveled from Nigeria through Benin and Togo, to Ghana’s two port cities at Tema and Takoradi. Commercial operations through the compressors begun in 2011.

The equipment was damaged off Togo, which affected operations and the basis for the repair work that should be completed by April.

Ghana, Nigeria, Benin and Togo have entered into an agreement for the flow of the gas.