Tullow Oil has confirmed reports that a section of ‘Turkana residents’ actually disrupted its convoy of trucks transporting crude oil from Lokichar to Mombasa.
On a statement to media houses, Tullow oil company claims that a group of youths who identified themselves as members of an association that was representing truck drivers from Turkana South disrupted their movement while demanding for more opportunities for local drivers.
“At 1100hrs on Monday 8th July 2018, a convoy of trucks carrying crude oil from Lokichar to Mombasa and operated by our contractors was briefly interrupted at Lokichar by a group who identified themselves as members of an association representing truck drivers from Turkana South and were demanding for more opportunities for local drivers,” statement read in part.
Tullow has said that Turkana South Deputy County Commissioner Philip Sigei held brief talk with the group after which they agreed to channel their grievances to the Turkana Grievances Management Committee, which is headed by Turkana County Commissioner.
It said that the trucks left for Mombasa at 11.40am after the discussion between the two parties.
Tullow has also stated that they have ensured that the surrounding Turkana community benefits from the project.It said: “Tullow can further confirm that 30 per cent of all EOPS trucks and driver opportunities have been provided to Turkana local business people and local drivers, respectively.”
“Tullow looks to give first consideration of the procurement of goods and services, where commercially and technically possible, to local suppliers from the host countries in which we operate.”