“Construction of the terminal is to support the government program to meet energy demand in the province,” said Binusindo president director Fabianus Banase on the sidelines of the project's groundbreaking ceremony on Monday.

The construction of the Kupang Oil Storage Terminal is expected to be completed within two years to anticipate increasing energy demand as a result of the growing tourist industry and other business activities in the province, he said.

Fabianus said his company also planned to construct compressed natural gas (CNG) and liquid natural gas (LNG) distribution centers in the industrial estate as an alternative energy for small, medium and large enterprises.

He said the industries that were and would be developed on the 20-hectare Bolok Industrial Estate included storage businesses, independent power plants, factories of N2 and OC gases and a water treatment plant.

Fabianus said his company also planned to operate outside NTT, including possible investment in neighboring Timor Leste.

Meanwhile, NTT Governor Frans Lebu Raya welcomed the construction of the oil terminal, but stressed that any business operating in the province should benefit local people.

“We understand any investment expects profit, but the local people should also benefit from the industry,” he said, adding that locals should be prioritized for employment. (bbn)

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