KOC committed to avoid impact of COVID-19 on its facilities: CEO
‘Company has put in place necessary emergency plans’
KUWAIT CITY, March 24: CEO of Kuwait Oil Company (KOC) Emad Sultan has affirmed the company’s commitment to avoid any impact of the new coronavirus (COVID-19) on its oil and administrative operations, in a manner that maintains the State’s commitment to local and international markets, and to cover all needs, reports Al-Rai daily.
In his statement to the company’s staff, Sultan indicated that the company has taken the necessary measures to ensure the continuity of work in all of its facilities, operation of production facilities and related groups and teams in order to play their respective roles in full capacity.
Sultan added KOC is always ready to face challenges, pointing out that it had to put in place the necessary emergency plans to overcome this delicate stage; as well as any circumstances that may arise from the aggravation of the crisis through strong cooperation between all teams and their members. He said the workforce necessary to perform all tasks with the required accuracy is in place.
He stressed that the company, from the first day of the crisis, coordinated with the relevant government agencies, including the Ministry of Health. He confirmed the company took preventive measures; disclosing the responsible authorities include the medical group and health, safety, security and environment group which are operating as per the standards approved by the Ministry of Health. This is in addition to global health and safety standards within its administrative and operational facilities.
Sultan said KOC has raised awareness from the first day about everything related to this virus and how to prevent it, and conveyed all government directives and procedures in this regard to their staff.
He emphasized the importance of the role played by Ahmadi Hospital and its medical crew. From the beginning, the hospital has been ready to receive patients and transfer them to the ministry, as it is equipped with all the required facilities to perform its supporting role for the health authorities, he revealed.
Sultan thanked the employees who work round the clock in order to guarantee the continuity of work, confirming the company’s absolute commitment to provide all aid and support by the senior management. He said the company is standing by them to secure the best conditions for them in this exceptional period.
Performing
He also thanked the employees of Ahmadi Hospital, who are dedicated to performing their work and their willingness to go through this noble work despite the challenging circumstances and risks; while keeping in mind the interest of Kuwait.
Sultan called on everyone to adopt caution, prevention and adherence to the State’s instructions, and urged them to stay in their homes and avoid any unnecessary movement to protect their health and that of others.
Meanwhile, informed oil sources revealed that the oil companies have a complete plan which is drawn up in coordination with the competent authorities of the civil and internal defense in line with government measures at every stage, including the curfew, and pointed to a mechanism introduced to control the movement of labor working on oil projects during the curfew period, reports Al-Rai daily.
The sources pointed out that the transport of labor takes place
by bus, and there is coordination with the security and responsible authorities, and that there are emergency permits for drivers to transport labor.
On the other hand, the sources confirmed that there are absolutely no problems with regard to the extracts and dues of companies and contractors, indicating that there is a mechanism that regulates the disbursement in such circumstances in a manner that does not affect the functioning of the business
or its disruption.
In the meantime, the Kuwait Oil Company reported that the current valid permits authorize the company’s employees and contractors to continue work until the completion of processing and distributing permits during curfew by the Ministry of Interior.
The company pointed out that curfew permits are used during the aforementioned times of the prohibition period to carry out work related to Kuwait Oil Company
only, and said legal measures determined by the Ministry of Interior will be taken against violators.
The oil sector companies affiliated to the Kuwait Petroleum Corporation gas begun to deliver emergency permits to workers in companies to facilitate their work during the curfew period, reports Al-Anba daily.
Sources told the daily the permits are being issued by the Civil Defence authorities.