R
leisure Nahle García, head of the Ministry of Energy (Sener), has perhaps faced one of the greatest challenges during the construction of the Olmeca refinery, in Dos Bocas, Tabasco. The team that was accepted to carry out this enormous task has been characterized by its professional capacity. The time and cost could not be understood without having a broad control over the application of the various budget items and, above all, without the strict control of the expenses that have been exercised. In addition, to avoid corruption, all of which has served to have enough money for this work, so necessary to continue recovering energy sovereignty.
The objective of the government of the Fourth Transformation (4T), is to achieve sufficient national gasoline and diesel production to make significant progress in Mexico’s energy security. With the six existing refineries, the new one in Dos Bocas and the one recently acquired in Texas –Deer Park–, the production of Petróleos Mexicanos (Pemex) will increase and, consequently, fuel imports will decrease. The decrease in the purchase of these abroad has to reduce that supply, which is currently 77 percent.
So far, 31,000 people between men and women are working in the different areas of the Olmeca refinery, and their contracts will end in approximately two months. This does not mean that they will be out of work. There is a relocation and hiring plan for them to continue in one of the various projects of the federal government.
The complete location of the personnel of the Olmeca refinery is expected, in the constructions of the Transisthmian Corridor, the Mayan Train or in some other of the projects of President Andrés Manuel López Obrador. The construction program has been planned from the beginning, so that the sources of employment do not disappear once the works are finished.
Among the aspects that a part of the population does not take into account, the coordination capacity of those who lead a group as large as that of Dos Bocas stands out. In addition, the work discipline of the members of the Army who have worked in the new refinery has helped the works to proceed according to the planned times.
Throughout the neoliberal period, one million 100 thousand barrels of oil had not been processed in the six rehabilitated refineries. The increase in added value in the products that emerge from Pemex will promote economic development in the oil zone.
By the way, the southeast is the region with the greatest wealth in hydrocarbons, but also the one with the highest rates of poverty in Mexico. The investment in the construction of the Dos Bocas refinery has among its purposes the reduction of poverty in it.
The progress that has been made in the Olmeca refinery is relevant. In a recent visit to Tabasco, the President was informed that in terms of construction, there is 87 percent and in terms of financing, 82 percent.
Nalhe García reported that they have already bought all the equipment and that they are being placed. Until now, 91 thousand pieces of equipment have been installed; each requires testing
. Safety for its operation is the most important thing in the start-up stage of operations of the facilities. In the next two months the connections of the pipes will be made, so the welding teams from all over the Republic are in the Olmeca.
Some media outlets have pointed out that the new refinery will cost more than the proposed one and that it will take time for its inauguration. However, the head of Sener has insisted that it is being built in record time and that it will be ready on time.
In addition, it is important to highlight that the construction of the seventh refinery in the country is well accepted by the majority of the Mexican population, even that is how they see it in other nations.
The date for the delivery of the refinery will be next July 2, after the start-up tests. Safety factor is paramount
.
No delays, no cost overruns, the observations made by the Superior Audit of the Federation (ASF) have already been resolved and we will continue working with that agency so that Dos Bocas reaches a successful conclusion. Fortunately, this great work began in a timely manner, which is why great savings have been achieved
Nahle says.
Every day there is more movement in the facilities of the Olmec. The arrival and departure of ships, in addition to various cargo vehicles, delivering material and equipment, is now daily life at the refinery.
Twitter: @AntonioGershenson
