Firm to provide healthcare centre in Delta community

The Managing Director, Kalm Marine and Petroleum Services Limited, chief Kestin Pondi, has pledged to build a world class healthcare centre for Ijansa Ijelejele Ikeremor Community in Warri South West Local Government Area of Delta State.

Pondi, represented by Chief Corporate Officer (CCO) Barrister Emmanuel Jakpa, made the promise while unveiling the company’s Board of Trustees, to align with the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA).

Kalm Marine and Petroleum Services Limited unveiled the Board of Trustees (BOT) for the Ijansa Ijelejele Ikeremor Community Development Trust, to ensure that host communities benefit directly from oil and gas production activities, and Strengthen Community Ties.

At the event held at KFT Event Centre, Warri, Delta State, the MD said the development marked a new phase of partnership between the oil firm and its host community

According to him, it will also served as a platform to challenge negative stereotypes about Niger Delta communities, and Kalm Marine, affirming that its experience in Ijansa Ijelejele Ikeremor had been peaceful and productive, hence “our commitment to inclusive growth and community development”.

He described the BOT as a key structure that will oversee projects and ensure that community funds are judiciously utilized.

The Managing Director commended the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) for its guidance, noting that the agency’s support had been instrumental in the company’s smooth operations over the past two years.

He emphasized that without regulatory backing, achieving this milestone would have been difficult, and therefore announced plans to construct a healthcare centre for the community, an initiative independent of the statutory three per cent allocation mandated by the PIA.

While urging the newly inaugurated BOT to ensure transparency and accountability in managing community funds, the company’s MD pledged to complete the centre within the year as part of its corporate social responsibility efforts.

“For over two years, we have operated in this community without any shutdowns. This is a testament to the peaceful and cooperative nature of the Ijansa Ijelejele Ikeremor people,” he stated.