By Janeth Mesomapya

The 3D seismic data acquisition project at Ruvu block which started in March, 2021 has come to an end with great success.

According to the Ruvu Block Desk Officer from the Petroleum Development Corporation (TPDC) Geophysicist Edwin Mvanda, some of the achievements include the project being completed without any records of fatalities or major accidents.

"Given the nature of the oil and natural gas exploration activities, which puts the professionals and staff involved in the project at great risk to their lives and safety, completing it without deaths or serious accidents is a great achievement that we are proud of," he explained.

Mr. Mvanda added that another attainment is, the exploration covered the whole area which was primarily set out for the project without any objections from the surrounding communities.

It is reported that although there have been several complaints from locals affected by several activities of the project, the entire 481 square kilometer area was explored as planned.

Similarly, the exploration complied to terms of reference as stipulated in the agreement between the operators of the block and the contractor of the project, BGP.

These terms of reference include compliance to local content through giving priority to locals in employment opportunities, conducting trainings, technology transfer and procurement of goods and services. Others include conducting awareness meetings about the project to the surrounding communities, compensation for the people affected by the project and so on.

The project, which was to be completed in March 2022, was finalized in October, 2021. The remaining activities include settling disclosure of compensation payments and resolving grievances of the people affected by the project and rehabilitating land areas damaged during the exploration.