Tema, Nov 20, GNA-The West African Gas Pipeline Company (WAGPCo) is set to deliver enough gas to the Volta River Authority (VRA), to power its 110 megawatt turbines as a compressor station in Lagos is due for operation in the first quarter of next year,

Mr. Kack Derickson, Managing Director (MD) of WAGPCo, who disclosed this at a Stakeholders' Forum in Tema on Friday said, additionally, the company's customers in Benin and Togo would receive gas supply regularly. The forum, attended by representatives of the company's stakeholders and its partners in Ghana, Nigeria, Benin and Togo, was aimed updating participants on its company's activities.

Mr. Derickson said it was gratifying that the company had come this far because of the tremendous support from governments in the four countries, as well as from its stakeholders who continue to lend their support. He said as an international company that upheld best practices in its operations, WAGPCo "is guided and guarded by internationally accepted norms, rules and regulations."

"Our activities are regulated by the various regulatory institutions in the various countries, and we strictly adhere to these rules and regulations, working closely with the various regulatory institutions to ensure that we operate in a manner that is environmentally safe," the MD emphasized.

He said under its Community Development Programme, WAGPCo had provided health, education and sanitation facilities to a number of communities to the tune of 850,000 Ghana Cedis. Mr. Derickson gave the assurance that the company would continue to uphold its commitment to conduct business in a socially responsible manner, to observe the laws of the countries, and give high regard to health, safety and the environment.

He said WAGPCo would continue to dialogue with its partners and stakeholders in order to fulfill its obligation to execute its mission efficiently, effectively and profitably. "We re-affirm our determination to operate a safe pipeline system and establish long-term partnerships with our numerous host communities, stakeholders, partners, workforce, employees and contractors." Mr. Robert Kempes Pap Nii Ofosuware, Tema Metropolitan Chief Executive, charged other corporate entities within the metropolis to follow WAGPCo's exemplary steps in ensuring that the communities in which they operated benefited from their activities. There were presentations on Pipeline Safety and Emergency Response; Offshore Pipeline Security; Community Relations; Overview of Natural Gas and Project Update, at the forum. 20 Nov 09