Safety is paramount to GDC’s operations both at the gas processing plant and across the extensive pipeline network built under the city of Douala.
All work is undertaken to the standards established by British Gas (the UK’s major gas distributor). The majority of the gas pipeline network is buried underground and patrolled 24/7 by our safety patrol who work closely with local communities.
The Group engages external consultants to carry Hazard Studies on our operations to ensure GDC operates at a high standard in relation to Emergency and Response Planning.
GDC operates its own training programmes, for employees and customers, carrying emergency response and gas leak drills at both the gas processing plant and on customer sites. GDC also works very closely with the emergency services in Douala.
ISO Certification
GDC has been working on International Organisation for Standardisation compliance (“ISO”) 9001, 14001 & 45001 ISO since 2017. It has developed and implemented its Integrated Management System (“IMS”) based upon the requirements of these International Standards.
We are pleased to announce that following an audit by an external certifying authority, GDC has completed the audit process for ISO 9001:2015, ISO 14001:2015 and ISO 45001:2018 with certifications being expected by end of Q2 2019. This achievement is evidence that GDC has established management systems; Quality, Environmental and Occupational Safety and Health, which conform to international ISO standards. This accomplishment demonstrates our continued
commitment to providing a high-quality product and delivering a consistent service to all our clients, alongside the investment of time and money into new technology, staff, processes and procedures by the Company.
OECD Instance
Following a complaint to the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (“OECD”) in 2018 and various communications with the UK National Contact Point (“NCP”) for promotion of the OECD Guidelines for Multinational Enterprises (the “Guidelines”), the NCP has decided on an “Initial Assessment” that the issues raised merited further examination (based on initial information from both parties). The complaint was made by the association of residents of Ndogpassi I, II and III and the Good Neighbours circle of Logmayangui in relation to the establishment and operation of the Logbaba Project.
The Guidelines are principles for responsible business conduct in areas including employment, human rights and the environment. While the Board and GDC both strongly believes that the Company has and has had the necessary policies and processes in place, we welcome the opportunity to engage further with the complainants to understand their concerns and to agree how we can advance together.
The NCP stresses in its Initial Assessment that its decision to examine further the claim against VOG is not a finding against the Company. The Company is actively engaged with the NCP to facilitate the aforementioned mediation, which the Company anticipates will take place in the coming months.