Local issues
HSE and social policies
A Health Safety and Environmental (HSE) Policy is posted on the Company's website and HSE Management Systems are prepared for each operation. A comprehensive Integrated Management Plan was prepared for the Uganda seismic programme and an update has been prepared for drilling. The Group is committed to best practice, consistent with IFC guidelines and the "Equator Principles" in its management of social issues in its areas of operation. Planning to manage environmental impact is very comprehensive and adherence to the spirit as well as the letter of Environmental Impact Assessment is a fundamental aim. A comprehensive summary of Neptune's social management programme is provided below.
Neptune has wider objectives with respect to health and safety in its area of operations. In conjunction with the Company's community consultation process (see Community programmes) community health and safety has emerged as a priority. Specialist scoping studies have evaluated key health needs and this has led to specific emphasis in the health and water sectors. Water well refurbishment projects have been ongoing and will continue into 2009 to increase access to safe water and this is directly linked to the quality of health of the people. This has been coupled with education of the local communities on disease control and road accident prevention practices, mainly through sensitisation visits, radio talk shows and provision of relevant information at the Arua Visitors Centre. In respect of road safety, construction of speed control humps along the busy streets in Arua town has been supported, and as a result, the number of casualties from road accidents has been dramatically reduced. Stringent controls are also being introduced for drivers engaged in Neptune's operations to limit the incidence of road accidents.
