Indigenous joint venture partners, Energia Limited and the Oando Group, have said that the only way to run a smooth operation in the communities is through partnership with the host communities.

Highlighting their development efforts in their host communities, which made their operations successful, the JV partners said their host communities are carried along in all of their projects execution.

The host communities include, Emu Ebendo (major host), Obodougwa-Ogume, Umusam–Ogbe, Ogbeani, Isumpe–Ogbe, Umusadege-Ogbe.

Taking journalists on a tour of community projects executed in their areas of operations, after an engagement programme with the communities last week, the Managing Director, Energia Limited, Mr. Felix A.V., said, whatever the company gets as gross revenue, at least three percent of it goes back into the communities as a means to help in the development of the communities.

He also said that the company’s community engagement approach has resulted into the signing of several Memoranda of Understanding, MoUs with host and other impacted communities.

He said, “1.25 percent of our gross production is ceded to Emu-Ebendo community as host community, and 0.75 percent to each of the impacted communities. We also incorporated a Trust Deed and established a separate Trust boards to manage the revenues accruing to the host community, and a separate Trust board to manage the impacted communities for sustainable community development programs. We also pursued the incorporation of a youth’s company, IFOGAT Limited, for the empowerment of the youths through employment creation and contract award,

“Also, we initiated an interface for monthly meetings with Ebendo at Kwale Base office, where we made series of cash/material donations to Emu-Ebendo Community during festivals, and other cultural occasions, Energia has remitted large sums of money to the trust fund accounts, held Trust Boards Meetings various ECDA meetings. Energia JV is also involved in other community development efforts outside of the trust fund, awarded series of contracts to IFOGAT, and other Community registered contractors.”

Some of the community projects include the Construction of 12m x 18km earth road from Obodugwa to Ogume; the construction of a mini housing estate with standard borehole and electricity; and the rehabilitation of Obodugwa water borehole system. Others are the institution of an Elders Welfare Programme, Educational Remedial Programme, construction and commissioning of ultra-modern market at Ebendo

During this period, the Energia boss disclosed that the company also executed some projects with the site locations, such as the clearing and disposal of grasses and debris at the flow station; construction of 2 x 50HP export pumps skids and roof; and the construction of 10 doghouses for our fire extinguishers storage

“We also engage in monthly evacuation of non toxic waste at the flow station, supply of electrical repair items for the construction of pump panel at the station, drilling of water borehole for the drilling location, procurement of two Hilux trucks for transportation purposes, production tanks interconnection and commissioning, security caravan upgrading and furnishing, condensate return line construction and commissioning,” he added.

Currently, he said the company and its joint venture partners are developing an Ebendo Master Plan Town Development.