A project monitoring body that will monitor and supervise every issue related to the construction of the liquefied natural gas terminal in Vassiliko will be formed by Energy Minister George Papanastasiou, within the Ministry, following resumption of construction works at the terminal.

Energy Minister George Papanastasiou and a delegation from the Chinese CPP consortium held a meeting yesterday during which an agreement was reached and the contractor resumed works for the construction of the jetty and other facilities.

The Minister explained the monitoring will help strengthen trust between the parties and ensure that there is proper and appropriate monitoring of the project. This group will have the expertise to supervise and monitor the project and at the same time will work towards every direction within powers granted by the Minister, Papanastasiou told CNA.

Regarding a new project delivery schedule, Papanastasiou said that the company, CPP-METRON CONSORTIUM LTD, will notify on a new timetable within the next couple of weeks.

The Minister of Energy together with President of the Republic visited today the construction site in Vassiliko and were briefed by the contractor on the progress of the project.

Regarding the project monitoring body to be set up, George Papanastasiou explained that it will comprise 1-2 engineers in charge of monitoring and supervising the project and that they will be in constant contact with the Ministry, the Natural Gas Public Company (DEFA), the Natural Gas Infrastructure Company (ETYFA) and the contractor. They will also manage any disputes that arise. “We will not let differences grow and create relationship problems,” Papanastasiou stressed.

He also noted that they will also be the ones who will monitor all the aspects of the project in order to limit bureaucracy and ensure that further delay is avoided.

“This group will be the eyes of the Ministry in the project and in fact in the field, on the ground and not in the offices,” he noted clarifying at the same time that it will not interfere with the contractual obligations of the two contracting parties.

Asked whether there is now a new timetable, the Minister of Energy said that as the contractor promised they will come up with a new project delivery schedule next week or the week after.

Replying to a comment that the resumption of works creates expectations, he noted that the issue of providing affordable electricity is very high on the Government’s agenda, indicating that this project needs good management, that concerns both sides, the Chinese consortium and the side of DEFA and ETYFA.