Kampala — Heritage Oil Corporation has commenced drilling oil in Kouakouala Oil Field in Congo Brazzaville.

The estimated drilling time in the 1,700 metre well, in which Heritage has a 25% working interest, is approximately 35 days.

"This is the first well in the development programme of Kouakouala field. The programme would also involve installation of a water injection scheme," Michael Gulbenkian, the CEO of Heritage Oil said in a statement recently.

Heritage Oil, is also involved in oil exploration in western Uganda, where they are drilling the third well in Block 3 in Semliki.

Gulbenkian said their goal was to boost production and ultimate recovery from Kouakouala field.

"This oil field has been in production since May 2000. However, production has declined to about 900 barrels per day from three wells. The drilling of more development wells will provide access to reserves," he said

Gulbenkian said the water injection programme was intended to raise reservoir pressure to increase well productivity and maximise recovery from the field.

Heritage is an international oil and gas corporation with principal properties in Uganda, Oman and Congo.