Coronavirus halts oil storage facility completion

Minister of Mines and Energy says the multi-billion dollar oil storage facility project, that was supposed to be completed a month ago has missed this deadline, as the Chinese contractor is stuck in China because of the Coronavirus outbreak in that country. The absence of the Chinese specialists has, therefore, brought the project, which is now 99% completed, to a standstill. Minister Tom Alweendo could also not say when it will be completed. He added that PwC, appointed by the Ministry of Finance to probe the tendering process, has found, among others, possible incorrect value-added tax (VAT) claims and possible irregularities in the purchase of land by the Chinese joint venture partner. He said more land was needed as it was discovered that more facilities were needed for the project such as a new jetty. The minister could not set a new completion date, saying the contractors may look at sourcing specialists from elsewhere to replace those who are stuck in China.