Oil minister calls for increase in oil production ahead of referendum
By Bonifacio Taban Kuich
October 24, 2010 (THARJATH-BENTIU) – Sudan’s national Ministry and Mining Ministry minister Lual Deng said on Sunday that preparations were required to ensure the continuity of oil production before and after the south’s self determination referendum in January.
The minister’s comments came as he visited Unity state hold a workshop with the advisory board of the ministry of federal organization and the Nile Petroleum Company, which operates Tharjath oil field.
The workshop was convened to address concerns over oil security and production as the south’s self determination referendum in January.
At the workshop that he encouraged companies to increase the production, which he believes would increase cooperation between north and the South Sudan.
Deng gave guarantees that oil operations would not be affected by the referendum period.
He also took the opportunity to announce that $1 million would be donated to Unity state for the construction of Bentiu.
Deng said that the donation comes as a result of President Omar Hassan al-Bashir campaign last April election.
President Bashir visited Unity state during his successful April election campaign, which was described by observers as falling below international standards.
Sheriff Tuhami has been appointed as the supervisor for the project.
The rehabilitation of roads construction from drilling Oil Company should begin from Bentiu town down ward to Tharjath Airport and toward Heglig as well as providing insectides and other mechanism in the area.
Unity states governor Lt. Gen. Taban Deng Gai said that he welcomed the visit of advisory board of the ministry of the federal organization in Unity State.
He called for tight cooperation before and after the referendum of South Sudan 9 January 2011.
Deng, who represents the south’s governing party – the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement (SPLM) – as minister for oil in the national government came under fierce criticism for voicing his support to maintain the unity of Sudan.
(ST)
Akuma
Oil minister calls for increase in oil production ahead of referendum
What is the purpose of oil production again since the referendum is now on hand. Who will benefit on the oil production? Is it Southern Sudan government or Khartoum government? It is better to stop drilling the oil and wait the referendum to wind up because Khartoum government may used that oil funds to boost and equips his military weapons in threaten Southern Sudan referendum.
My idea was that, it is good used the oil funds that was drilled three months back, and used them for payment of civil servants and any other opportunities that need to be done.
Back to the Minister Lual Achuek, indeed his contract may elapse after Southern Sudan independent because his Bashir’s money make him to lose interest in Southern Sudan referendum.
So, let watch what will happen and am assuring Minister Lual Achuek that your comment over the oil preoduction increase may reverse your statement ”Sudan need unity”.
I think that if you were a true nationalist and patriotic leader like the other heroes in Southern Sudan, Unity word may not come out in your mouth.
Dr. Garang dye to give chance for idiot people like Minister Lual Achuek to be ministers in Sudan.
Dr. Akuma
USA