The Nigerian Agip Oil Company, Operator of NNPC/NAOC JV has completed some key projects in some of its host communities within the Swamp areas in Bayelsa State.

During a recent field visit to the project sites, eight of these projects were completed by the JV and are awaiting commissioning. The contractors handling seven others had achieved over 90 percent completion even as the others were in various stages of completion.

The multi-million naira projects were executed using the widely – accepted Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) which was signed between the JV and the Host communities. The communities, with this MOU have the choice of choosing the kind of projects they want for their communities and also choose the contractors to execute these projects thereby empowering the local contractors in compliance with the Nigerian Content Development.

However it is worth mentioning that the contractors must pass through the JV contracting process and must be certified by the JV and the communities before such a contractor can execute the project. Some of the completed projects visited include the construction of a concrete jetty at Emadike which is expected to be of great value to the host community who specialise in fish farming. Also completed for the Okigbene community is a Health Centre comprising of Doctors & Nurses quarters as well as the provision of furniture.

Renovation works were also completed at Ekweama Community where NAOC embarked on the repairs and upgrading of facilities on five blocks of school dormitories at the Naval quarters at Ekweama. At Okigbene Community, a standard library was constructed for the community by the NNPC/NAOC JV. The Electrification upgrade project at Twon Brass was another mission accomplished as the contractor had finished the project while both the host community and NAOC officials are yet to choose a date for its official commissioning.

In the Nembe Community, the installation of two 1000KVA capacity generators was a source of excitement to the residents of the town. The Construction of a Concrete Jetty at Emadike Consruction of a Health Centre (480m2) with Sandcrete Blockwall, Longspan Aluminium Roofing Sheets & provision of Furniture: including Construction of Doctors and Nurses quarters at Okigbene generators which had been supplied installed and test – run, were in excellent condition. Some of the residents who spoke with NAPIMS officials during the visit to the site listed the socio economic benefits the people would derive from the generators.

Other completed projects include a Two- kilometre stretch of concrete internal road with accompanying drains which is meant for the Akakumama community. The project was awarded in May 2009. The water needs of the people of Twon Brass was also set to change for the better with the completion of two 50,000 gallon capacity water tank.

In addition to the completed projects, eight projects which are over 90 percent completed are on-going at Dorgu-Ewoama, Epeu, Okigbene, Ologoama, Emadike and Fierabagbene Communities. The NNPC/NAOC JV is set to complete the above projects within the year. .