Lamu oil extraction to begin in June

Zarara Oil and Gas Limited Company Manager Peter Nduru addressing locals at the Faza Social Hall on May 11, 2017. PHOTO | KALUME KAZUNGU | NATION MEDIA GROUP

What you need to know:

  • Mr Nduru said the company conducted geophysical surveys between 2013 and 2014 in about 400km stretch of blocks L4 and L13 in Pate island of Lamu East which he said confirmed that the area had oil and gas deposits.
  • According to him, an environmental impact assessment (ESIA) report on the same had already been done and that the report had been handed over to the National Environment and Management Authority (Nema).

The extraction of oil and gas in Pate Island, Lamu East is to start in June.

Zarara Oil and Gas Limited Company officials visited Faza Island on Thursday and sensitised locals on the progress of the planned exploration and expectations.

Addressing the public at Faza Social Hall, Zarara Oil and Gas Manager Peter Nduru said all was set for the work top begin in June.

Mr Nduru said the company conducted geophysical surveys between 2013 and 2014 in about 400km stretch of blocks L4 and L13 in Pate island of Lamu East which he said confirmed that the area had oil and gas deposits.

Mr Nduru said the first phase of extraction will start before the end of June while the second phase is set before December.

DRILL 102 WELLS

He said all that remained now was the recruitment of workers who will work along with the experts.

Zarara Oil and Gas Company intends to drill around 102 wells in Lamu East to extract gas.

Mr Nduru said over Sh1 billion had already been spent on a seismic survey.

He added that the second phase of the well drilling will be more expensive.

He said the quantity of gas deposits will only be ascertained after intense drilling.

“We have begun ferrying machinery and establishing a camp in which all activities on oil and gas extraction will be taking place,” said Mr Nduru.

ASSESSMENT REPORT

According to him, an environmental impact assessment (ESIA) report on the same had already been done and that the report had been handed over to the National Environment and Management Authority (Nema).

Zarara Operations Officer Austen Titford assured all families that will be affected during the drilling process of compensation.

“We are about to assemble our gadgets from all over the world to Mombasa, then to Lamu East. We will have camps and discussions are already ongoing for those whose land will be used for the same. We want to ensure they are compensated. We are yet to agree on the amount of compensation,” said Mr Titford.

Lamu Governor Issa Timamy lauded the move but by Zarara Company to commence oil and gas extraction in Lamu.

PROFITS

He assured the investor of maximum cooperation.

However, Mr Timamy asked them to consider directing a percentage of the profits from the project to the county government so that locals can also enjoy direct benefits.

“I am aware that the National Assembly is in discussion over the percentage of revenue supposed to be given to the county governments after being generated from projects established in such counties. My request for Zarara Company is to accept what the National Assembly will arrive at,” said Mr Timamy.