Oil deposit in Covalima

Oil deposit in Covalima

KUPANG, East Nusa Tenggara: A survey conducted by state-owned
oil company, Pertamina, has found an oil deposit along the
coastal area of Covalima regency, East Timor.

Covalima regent Herman Sudyono told Antara here last week that
the size of the deposit has yet to be estimated.

"The survey's results have been brought to Jakarta to
determine on whether or not the oil deposit will be explored," he
said.

He said there are signs that the Portuguese colonial
administration had attempted to exploit the resources in the
area. Several pieces of drilling equipment were still left on
shore.

He said he hoped Indonesia could start exploration in December
this year.

Chairman of the local legislative council Toto Marinho Pinto
said that the oil deposit should be tapped to help improve the
welfare of the local people. (rms)