The Petroleum Authority of Uganda (PAU) has lifted the suspension of works at the Kingfisher Development Area (KFDA) in Kikuube District, paving the way for the resumption of operations.
This is after the regulator, “reviewing and realigning” the safety protocols and measures with the operator”, the regulator said in a statement.
“This step has been taken after a rigorous examination of all standard procedures to ensure that the health and safety requirements are being robustly implemented by all contractors and sub-contractors. The Authority has reviewed and realigned the safety protocols with the operator for overall improvement in the HSE culture and practices during operations,” Mr. Ernest Rubondo, Executive Director of the Authority said in a statement.
“The resumption of operations comes after additional preliminary safety measures have been instituted, and an overall strategy on contractor HSE management enhanced. The Petroleum Authority of Uganda is satisfied that the agreed procedures, when implemented, will ensure the safety and well-being of all during the oil and gas operations,” the statement added.
The Authority, on 06th October 2023, suspended operations by China’s CNOOC in the KFDA, following a fatal accident involving a truck of a contractor.
According to reliable sources, in the incident, a security guard was crushed by the wheels of a truck after he had completed checking the vehicle and was opening the camp gate to let the vehicle enter.
The incident prompted PAU to swing into action and suspend all Kingfisher field operations until further notice, except those that are required to maintain field safety and security.
The regulator said that it was concerned by CNOOC’s safety reputation especially that the incident followed “several safety incidents that this Authority has previously brought to the attention of CNOOC Uganda Limited (CUL)”.
“This trend is unacceptable as it compromises the safety of personnel and damages the reputation of the sector,” Ernest T. Rubondo, PAU’s Executive Director, wrote to Liu Xaingdong, CNOOC Uganda’s President.