THE National Oil Infrastructure Company (Noic) is hunting for partners as it seeks to become a strategic player in the importation and distribution of gas.Noic is in the business of pipeline transportation of petroleum products as well as storage and handling at the company’s depots.
The company has depots at strategic sites around the country, namely Bulawayo, Mutare, Beitbridge, Msasa and Mabvuku in Harare. It has blending facilities at its depots and blends petrol on behalf of its clients.
The company disclosed its plans to venture into the gas business, in an invitation for expression of interest.
“Noic seeks to become a strategic player in the importation and distribution of gas. It is, therefore, looking to engage registered companies for a franchising programme," the statement read in part.
"The interested companies should have industrial land (owned/leased) available for the development and operation of LPG (liquefied petroleum gas) ."
Noic is seeking proposals from suitably qualified companies with land in Harare, Masvingo, Bulawayo, Gweru, Kwekwe and Mutare.
“Must have an industrial stand size of a minimum of 1 500 square metres, fire brigade land approval report for LPG wholesaling, owned industrial stand (provide proof of ownership/title deeds) or leased industrial stand provide a lease with a minimum tenure of 5 years)."
The applicants must be able to secure a bank guarantee or have proof of capital in the form of a bank statement, with a minimum requirement of US$30 000. They must also "possess good knowledge of the oil industry. Human resources management, must have the ability to manage, motivate and resource teams. Have a minimum of two employees (provide proof of employment contracts).”
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The move is intended to promote homegrown solutions that are relatable to the country's needs as a way of matching demand, with the country facing long hours of power outages, citizens have found solace in using LP gas for cooking and to power home appliances like refrigerators.
Last year, the company finished constructing the first phase of the US$11 million LPG storage and handling facility with a holding capacity of 650 tonnes in Ruwa with the second phase set to be completed this year.
