02 December 2013
Balhaf, 2 December – Under the auspices of H.E. Minister of Oil and Minerals Ahmed Dares, and the Governor of Shabwah Mr. Ahmad Bahaj, Yemen LNG has inaugurated a major electrification project and new educational facilities at a total cost of over Y.R 900 million for the benefit of Yemen LNG neighboring communities in the Governorate of Shabwah.

The inauguration ceremony took place on Monday 2 December 2013 at Balhaf in the presence of high-ranking government officials including the Minister of Education Dr. Abdul-Razzaq Al-Ashwal, the Minister of Electricity Dr. Saleh Sumai, and the Assistant Deputy Minister of Oil and Minerals Mr. Yousef Musaed.

The Coastal Villages Electrification Project includes 3 megawatts of electricity generation sufficient to supply about 2,000 households in the coastal villages of Bir Ali, Mafraq Balhaf, Jilaa, Farjouma, Al-Jwairy and Ain Bamabad. Project components include two main networks to transfer power from Balhaf Plant to the targeted villages. Project beneficiaries are estimated at 10,000 inhabitants.

Budgeted at YR 500 million, this project was implemented by the Public Authority of Rural Electricity (PARE) and in coordination with the local authorities and communities of Shabwah.

Speaking on the occasion, Yemen LNG General Manager Jacques Azibert stated that Yemen LNG is very conscious of the importance for the local communities of such specially chosen projects as these clearly improve people’s lives and support long-term development. “We wouldn’t have been able to achieve these genuine successes if it wasn’t for the support and partnerships with many stakeholders including the local communities, the generous central and local government support, the local contractors and, of course, the Yemen LNG teams.”

For his part, the Governor of Shabwah Mr. Ahmed Ali BaHaj commended the partnership between Yemen LNG, the local authority and communities. “I am happy to see more and more sustainable projects being realized through our partnership with Yemen LNG and with the support and coordination of the local authorities and communities. I hope this kind of support continues and expands much further in the future.”

Commenting on the event, the Minister of Electricity Dr. Saleh Sumai appreciated Yemen LNG contribution to the development of local communities. “The efforts of the company are well visible in the form of various sustainable development projects. Moreover, I find the high rate of Yemenization at Yemen LNG to be commendable as it stands at around 90%, which is rare in oil and gas companies in Yemen,” he added.

The new educational facilities include 10 schools that can accommodate over 1,600 female and male students in the districts of Jirdan, Rudhoom, Al-Rawdah, and Mayfaa, Shabwah Governorate, at a total cost of YR 401 million, and in partnership with the Public Works Project, the implementing agency. The schools were equipped with furniture and some with accommodation for teachers, bringing the total number of schools constructed and upgraded so far to over 34 schools.

Minister of Education Dr. Abdul-Razzaq Al-Ashwal stressed in his remarks that, “what is always essential to see while serving the education sector is to put emphasis on three key areas; infrastructure, quality education, and capacity building. This way we can be sure to build our society on solid basis”.

Yemen LNG implements sustainable development projects in neighboring areas covering education, health, fishery, agriculture, electricity and water for the benefit of over 30,000 people in 50 villages along the pipeline and around Balhaf Plant, making it the largest sustainable development program offered by the energy sector in Yemen.

About Yemen LNG

Yemen LNG Company produces and delivers Liquefied Natural Gas to the Americas, Asia and Europe. Having full control of the LNG chain from the well to the delivery port, and operating state-of-the-art facilities and a fleet of newly built tankers, Yemen LNG offers an environmentally clean energy in unequalled conditions of security and quality. Yemen LNG is one of the safest and most reliable companies of the LNG industry.

The Company aims to maintain its position as a socially responsible citizen, holding a long-term philosophy and commitment to leave an enduring legacy of genuine care for people, sustainable operations and unrivalled environmental performance in the Oil and Gas industry.