Shell to invest N1.3bn in support of infrastructure projects in Imo State

Shell Petroleum Development Company (SPDC) has reiterated its commitment to support infrastructure development in Imo State in fulfillment of its Global Memorandum of Understanding (GMoU).

Speaking through Mr. Chibuzor Anyim, External Relations Manager, Land Production Hub of the SPDC, the oil major said funds for the projects are being disbursed in “milestones”, adding that they are been executed by indigenous contractors.

Anyim said while the SPDC released the funds, the projects were executed by Cluster Development Boards (CDBs). “The CDBs are Assa North and Ohaji-Egbema with projects worth N800 million and N500 million respectively. The GMoU spans for a period of five years and we are already three years gone.

“SPDC is funding each of the GMoU clusters with N500 million for five years; with a yearly tranche payment of one million naira to each cluster; but Assa north got a top up of N300 million to be paid in three tranches of N100 million per year for three years.”

He spoke on Friday, March 12, 2021, during an inspection tour of some of the projects in Ohaji-Egbema Local Government Area (LGA) of the state, with Governor Hope Uzodinma. The Governor was represented by his Commissioner for Environment, Mr. Ikechukwu Njoku.

Governor Uzodinma commended SPDC for contributing to the development of the state, noting that by empowering its host communities with developmental projects; the company was setting the pace for other investors to emulate.

He pledged continued synergy with investors in Imo and urged host communities to protect the facilities from vandalism.

“We appreciate your synergy because it shows your support for our reconstruction; rehabilitation; and recovery mantra. While we urge other investors in our state to emulate the SPDC by giving back to their host communities; we also urge the communities to protect the facilities given to them as this will encourage investors to do more,” he said.

The ongoing projects include construction of 10 lockup market stalls; borehole and four modern toilets at Umuapu community.