The Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) bottling plant at Axim, serving the Ellembelle, Ajumuro, and Gwira areas in the Western Region, is currently under review, Energy and Green Transition Minister John Jinapor has informed Parliament.
The project, implemented under the Engineering, Procurement, and Construction (EPC) framework of the National Cylinder Recirculation Model programme, is valued at approximately $24.7 million.
Awarded on October 19, 2021, with construction starting on July 13, 2022, the project was initially scheduled for completion by July 2024.
However, Minister Jinapor noted that when he assumed office, the project was far from finished. About $8 million had already been spent, with only 20% of procurement and site construction completed.
“I personally invited the board to inquire what was holding up the work,” the Minister told Parliament. He explained that while the board had completed front-end engineering design, essential market and feasibility studies for LPG sourcing—critical for the factory—had not been conducted before awarding the contract.
As a result, the board has launched a detailed review and audit of the project and commissioned independent market and feasibility studies. These studies are expected to be completed by the end of the second quarter and submitted to the Minister.
“Upon receipt of this report, we will be fully informed and able to make a decision on how to proceed with this project,” he said.
ALSO READ:
