Tema, March 19, GNA - Dr Kofi Kodua Sarpong, Managing Director of Tema Oil Refinery (TOR) on Tuesday reassured the nation that the facility has capabilities to handle any contingency at the plant. Dr Sarpong gave the assurance when the Parliamentary Select Committee on Environment, Science and Technology visited the plant in the aftermath of a crude oil line burst that occurred two weeks ago, resulting in the spillage.

The line has since been repaired and the environment cleaned. He said security personnel were always on a 24-hour watch of the lines.

Dr Sarpong commended the technical staff for being alert and responding swiftly to the incident, thereby preventing an explosion. He said the incident had little impact on the operations of the refinery because the burst occurred on a reserve line, which is only used in an eventuality.

Captain Edward Coffie (Rtd), head of security at the TOR said the crude oil which spilled during the burst was retrieved and could be reused.

Mr Kwame Owusu Frimpong, Chairman of the Select Committee and MP for Ahafo Ano North, expressed the satisfaction of members with the extent of repair work on the burst line and urged management to reinforce monitoring measures to avert such occurrences.