The National Petroleum Authority (NPA) has commissioned a modern and the biggest Bulk Road Vehicles (BRVs) terminal at Kpone, in the Greater Accra Region.
The facility, which was started some years ago and completed this year at the cost of GHc17 million, can accommodate about 1000 BRVs.
The terminal, which is strategically located, is expected to ease traffic congestion around Tema Oil Refinery (TOR), as well as eliminate the dangers the BRVs posed to other road users due to how they park haphazardly along the roads linking Tema Oil Refinery and other Petroleum Products Storage Depots in Tema, because of the unavailability of spaces.
In his address, the Chief Executive of NPA, Mr. Hassan Tampuli, said the NPA wanted movement of tanker vehicles scheduled to load petroleum products properly regulated.
He noted a number of accidents were borne out of fatigue as a result of inadequate rest after a trip, hence, “the need to construct the tanker parking terminal to address any unforeseeable occurrences of accidents caused by drivers.”
“We, as stakeholders in the industry and operators of these tankers, therefore, have the responsibility to give members of the public the assurance that we are doing our utmost best to ensure their safety while we carry out our business,” he stressed.
He assured the tanker drivers that the NPA would continue to create an enabling environment for the operations of the transportation section of the Petroleum Downstream Industry.
He used the occasion to urge all tanker drivers to be more safety conscious by observing road traffic signs, and avoid excessive and reckless speeding, dangerous overtaking particularly in sharp bends and hilly areas, avoid night driving and use of mobile phones while driving.
“You are also urged to take the pre-trip inspections of your vehicles such as checking of tire pressure, headlights, hazard lights, tail/brake lights and pointers/traficators and windshield wipers very seriously,” he added.
On his part, the Minister for Energy, Mr John Peter Amewu, in a speech read on his behalf by the Managing Director of TOR, Mr Isaac Ossei, said “the parking of tanker vehicles, sometimes loaded with petroleum products, along these roads, poses a serious health and safety risk to life and property. I, therefore, commend the National Petroleum Authority for this laudable project.”
He said the facility would ensure efficiency in the distribution of petroleum products in the country.
Pledging government’s support to develop petroleum downstream sector, he said government would ensure the regular supply of petroleum products to all parts of the country “through a cost-effective and an efficient distribution system.”
The Energy Minister said issues on rehabilitation of pipelines from Tema to Akosombo, the possibility of a rail line between Tema and Kumasi, are all being given attention to reduce road transportation of petroleum products.
The MD of TOR, Mr Isaac Osei(middle) being assisted by CEO of NPA, Hassan Tampuli (left) and Board Chairman of NPA,Mr Addo Yobo to cut the tape to officially open the facility
