. In addition to the original Block 1, Kolo's offshore oil fields have also discovered adjacent Blocks 2 and 3. These three blocks hold a total of 2 billion tons of proven oil reserves and are already under development.
In addition to Kolo Oil's partner, COSL, which has deployed over five rigs, either leased or leased, to drill in these blocks, Kolo Oil has also established its own oil production division and purchased two rigs.
Earlier this year, Kolo Oil also ordered ten drilling rigs and offshore platforms from the Chinese shipyard Darien, with deliveries beginning in the second half of the year.
So far, with each well coming online, Kolo's offshore oil field has surpassed 1.5 million barrels per day!
At the beginning of this year, the price of North Sea Brent crude oil reached $60 per barrel. Currently, it has peaked at over $78. Although the price has fallen slightly since then, even at an average price of $70, assuming a daily production of 1.5 million barrels, the annual revenue from selling this crude oil alone would exceed $38 billion!
Of course, the extraction and transportation of crude oil carries significant costs, but with the continued rise in oil prices and the increasing production from the Kolo offshore oil fields, the profits for the Kolo government, the West African Group, and the United Energy Group will continue to increase.
The Kolo government stands to profit the most. Through special taxes and its stake in Kolo Petroleum, it receives over half of the crude oil revenue, providing ample funding for Kolo's development.
"Along with our investment in healthcare, we've launched a 'Clean and Hygiene for All' campaign across Kolo. First, we're improving environmental sanitation and promoting good personal hygiene in cities. This has led to a significant decrease in the incidence of various diseases, especially infectious diseases,"
Jammeh Bongo explained to Prince Andrew and Barron.
As mentioned previously, as of 2003, malaria was the leading cause of illness (46%) and death (12.26%) across all age groups in Kolo.
The HIV infection rate was also as high as 5%, with mother-to-child transmission at 35%.
Furthermore, tuberculosis is a major threat to the Kolo public.
As early as 2004, Kolo received an interest-free loan of 2 billion Chinese yuan from Huaxia, the vast majority of which was invested in improving Kolo's overall healthcare system.
At that time, they purchased a large amount of medicines and equipment from Huaxia, and with Chinese assistance, they also built a medical and nursing school.
Thanks to their efforts, the malaria incidence in Kolo has dropped below 10%, and the new HIV infection rate has been kept below 2%. They have also implemented universal vaccinations against common diseases like tuberculosis.
During Jammeh Bongo's visit to China this year, he not only secured a series of procurement agreements but also received further Chinese assistance in healthcare.
China will accept Kolo's international students in batches, primarily in fields such as petroleum, medicine, and civil engineering.
Furthermore, they will establish a joint venture with Kolo to establish a local vaccine production base, helping Kolo achieve its goal of eliminating malaria, tuberculosis, and other diseases within five years.
...
The next day, Barron and his group traveled from Loti to the capital, Blitta, via the Loti-Dalton Expressway.
Over two-thirds of the Loti-Dalton Expressway has been completed, and the entire line is expected to be fully open to traffic by the end of the year.
The first section of road completed was the one from Loti to Britta. The completion of this section of highway and railway greatly accelerated the transportation of supplies and the construction of the new capital, Britta.
The distance from Loti to Britta is approximately 300 kilometers, but once on the highway, it takes only two and a half hours to reach the exit of Britta. Along the way, in addition to Barron's own security team, the convoy was accompanied by military vehicles from the Kolo Legion. Attack helicopters even flew overhead, providing Barron with exceptional security.
While no one in Kolo would go out of their way to attack Barron, the British Duke, or the members of the royal family accompanying him—no one could withstand the wrath of the British side if something happened to them—
anything still needed to be done to prevent any mishaps.
Jammeh Bongo also made special arrangements. After the convoy exited the highway, more than a dozen police motorcycles formed an arrowhead, leading the way.
Behind them, two more police cars followed, their lights flashing, escorting them all the way.
Martial law was in place all the way to the presidential palace, and no other vehicles or personnel were seen.
This was Barron's first time seeing Kolo's new capital in person. Previously, he had only seen renderings of the new city of Britta.
"Wow, this city looks great, very clean, just like a European city,"
Prince Andrew exclaimed in admiration as he gazed out the car window at the view.
This was the first time since arriving in Kolo that he had expressed such genuine praise for a place—whether it was a polite compliment or not was easily discernible from his expression.
"It's truly wonderful! I hope Britta can become a model for modern cities in West Africa,"
Barron remarked, praising Britta's development.
After all, it was a well-planned new town, and those who had been able to relocate were mostly government officials and employees of large corporations. Even ordinary citizens were only allowed to move in after a very selective process. Therefore, while Britta might not yet have the bustling atmosphere of Lottie, it was still very well-maintained, without the grimy, cluttered slums.
Even in Lottie, after the new town is completed, renovations will begin on the old town, improving public facilities and demolishing slums. This is part of Kolo's gradual affluence. Low-rent housing will be provided to ordinary residents of Lottie's old town. While not large, it will be far superior to the shanties in the old slums.
Because of his tight schedule, Prince Andrew will only stay in Kolo for two days before traveling to neighboring Ghana, separating from Barron and his entourage.
After Andrew's official visit with the Kolo government, Barron hosted a dinner for him at his home in Britta.
The residence is Jupiter Tower, a high-rise building located in Britta's upscale residential area, closest to the commercial district. It was built specifically for Barron by the Golden Africa Real Estate Group.
Standing 50 meters tall and spanning 11 floors, Jupiter Tower features a large swimming pool, a private cinema, a large gym, a family hospital, and more than 15 living and guest rooms. There's also an observation deck, a sky garden, and a rooftop helicopter pad.
It can be said to be the most luxurious residence in the entire Britta.