Ondo State Government has reiterated its commitment to the actualisation of bitumen exploitation in the state.
The State Commissioner for Regional Integration and Special Duties, Professor Bayonle Ademodi stated this during a meeting with the licenced bitumen companies operating in the state.
Represented by the Permanent Secretary in the ministry, Mr Ebenezer Ogunsanmi, the Commissioner noted that the state government is highly impressed with the way the investors have demonstrated unequal cooperation and interest in actualising the development of bitumen in the state.
According to him, the meeting was organised to bring all the stakeholders back on board to chart a way forward on the development of bitumen in the state.
Noting that the state is the most peaceful state among the states in Nigeria, he assured them that their investments and operations are secured coupled with the fact that the present government’s giant stride in road infrastructure will ease the transportation of their products.
The Commissioner informed that the ministry has liased with bitumen host communities in the area of robust relationship to ensure their smooth operations.
In his presentation, the Project Director of Kebara Mining Company Limited, Mr Anet Wiener, informed that his company has gone far in the project and is now at the stage of getting mining lease from the federal government to begin full operation, saying that the company has developed unique technology in exploiting the bitumen to ensure friendly environment.
Secretary of BEECON Company, Mr Leo Ologun who informed that the company is largely owned by the Ondo state government said about 25 companies have shown interest to partner with them on the project.He noted that the company now have eight blocks for mining.
The Federal Mines Officer in the state , Mr Silas Godwin affirmed that the bitumen in the state is one of the best in the world as it is naturally endowed, hence the need for all hands to be on deck to ensure mining begin in earnest.
The Permanent Secretary, State Waste Management Authority, Mrs Bola Akinyanmi charged the companies to carry out their Environmental Impact Accessment, EIA strategically for sustainable development.
The Caretaker Chairmen from Irele, Odigbo, and Ese-odo Local Governments Areas of the state posited that they are anxiously waiting for the commencement of the long awaited bitumen mining in the state.
They assured the investors of enabling environment to operate, advising that the companies should always carry the host communities along in their activities.
They affirmed that the companies are committed to the project as some of them have started building administrative blocks after completing exploration.
The Hope
