UC RUSAL launches large-scale social investment programme in Nigeria

Ikot Abasi, Nigeria September 18, 2007, – UC RUSAL, the world’s largest producer of aluminium and alumina, launched an extensive social investment programme designed to support development of the local communities of UC RUSAL ALSCON, the aluminium smelter in Ikot Abasi, Akwa Ibom State which was acquired by UC RUSAL in February 2007.

A Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) was signed today between RUSAL ALSCON, the Akwa Ibom State Government and Local Community Groups. Under the terms of the MOU, UC RUSAL ALSCON has committed to providing support in such areas as education, healthcare and wellbeing, supply of water and electricity.  The parties are jointly developing an Ikot Abasi Local Government Area Development Plan, which will contribute to the Local and State Economic Empowerment Development Strategy’s (LEEDS and SEEDS). This plan calls for joint programmes focused on health, education, power generation and distribution, and water treatment.

According to the terms of the agreement, UC RUSAL is creating committees responsible for overseeing various areas of the programme’s implementation, including Conciliatory Committees, the Memorandum Compliance Control Committee, and a Human Resources Committee.

Alexander Bulygin, CEO of UC RUSAL, said: “At UC RUSAL, corporate social responsibility means tangible and proactive engagement with the local communities where we operate around the world. Only by aligning our assets with the development activities of local communities can we enjoy meaningful dialogue and cooperation that is mutually beneficial. The signed MOU underlines UC RUSAL’s commitment to build and maintain programmes that support the long-term development objectives of both Akwa Ibom and UC RUSAL ALSCON.”

Speaking at the signing ceremony, the Akwa Ibom State Governor His Excellency Barr. Godswill Obot Akpabio said: “UC RUSAL is demonstrating a clear and structured approach to supporting the needs of the people of Akwa Ibom in partnership with the Akwa Ibom State Government, and we look forward to taking forward the projects that have been identified and improving conditions for the communities surrounding ALSCON”

Ikot Abasi Local Government Area (LGA) Chairman Hon. Robert Sylvanus Ikpoh and the Paramount Ruler of HRM Edidem U. J. Ntuk Obom also participated in the ceremony.

The projects currently under development include:

Electricity

In Partnership with Group 5, The Ibom Power Company, The Power Holding Company of Nigeria and the Local Government UC RUSAL ALSCON has put in place the infrastructure necessary to release 5 MegaWatts of Power to the Power Holding Company of Nigeria to supplement the National Grid.

UC RUSAL ALSCON is partnering with the Water Company of Nigeria to re-habilitate the water distribution network in Ikpa Ibekwe wards 1 and 2.

Health

An Occupation Health Unit is being refurbished and standards raised to meet those of RUSAL.  Emergency services. 

The hospital facilities at the ALSCON site are being upgraded to provide secondary services as part of  the Company’s social programme.  These will include neurology and physiotherapy, cardiology and therapy, dentistry, ophthalmology, gynaecology and ear, nose and throat. The laboratory unit and ultrasound facilities are also being upgraded, thus making this facility a centre of excellence in the region able to offer mentoring services as well as back up facilities to local health practitioners.

UC RUSAL ALSCON is supporting the development of education in Ikot Abasi, including through the granting of various scholarships, repair, expansion and equipment of municipal nurseries and schools, vocational technical schools, and organization of different training courses.

UC RUSAL ALSCON’s activities in partnership with the state government and local community groups are aimed at establishing a locally owned and managed community-based organisation dedicated to implementing the Ikot Abasi Local Government Area Development Plan.  This model, developed with the support of Pro-Natura International (Nigeria) is already operating in the neighboring regions of Opobo/Nkoro and Eastern Obolo and has been recognised by the United Nations and the World Bank as one of the most effective models for community development in the Niger Delta.