Monrovia – The Liberia Petroleum and Refining Company (LPRC) and an Israeli firm, LUTECH Engineering and Project Management Consultants have sealed a US$21 million deal for the modernization and expansion of the Petroleum Storage Terminal (PST) on Bushrod Island.
Under the deal, LUTECH Engineering and Project Management Consultants would construct a two tons truck weight bridges and a new semi-automation system and safety solution.
The Israeli firm is also expected to construct a central control room, new operations building and increased storage capacity and as well expand loading gantry fitted for nine loading areas.
LUTECH Engineering and Project Management Consultants would also demolish and reconstruct six old storage tanks with increased storage capacity.
The company would also construct four new product discharge lines and a new tank farm piping network for product receipt and discharge as well as the construction of two service tanks including a fire water and slop tank.
LPRC Managing Director Sumo Kupee said the rehabilitation of the Petroleum Storage Terminal is necessary because the current facility has outlived its usefulness.
Kupee disclosed that the facility was constructed about 70 years ago and noted that there has been any structural repair work on the PST for about 30 years now.
“Although there has been intermittence maintenance work but in term of structural repair it hasn’t happen for the last 30 years this has pose security risk, which is why government decided that the repair of this facility is a national priority,” Kupee said.
He said the commencement of the rehabilitation work had hurdle due to a lawsuit filed by some firm that participated in the biding process.
Mr. Kupee disclosed that following about nine months of legal battle, the Supreme Court ruled in favor of the LPRC.
He has asked LPRC to proceed with the contract and requested the contracting firm to include local firm in the rehabilitation as required by the contract.
The LPRC MD lauded the Board of Directors of LPRC and its technical staff for standing with management while the matter was in court.
LUTECH Managing Director Vijay Anand Krishana expressed his company ability to deliver.
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