By Alfred Zacharia
Tanga, Tanzania. The Deputy Permanent Secretary of the
Ministry of Energy, Dr. James Mataragio, has underscored the significant
economic benefits Tanzania stands to gain from the East African Crude Oil
Pipeline (EACOP) project.
“Tanzania is expected to generate TZS 2.3 trillion in
revenue from the EACOP project,” Dr. Mataragio stated during a site visit by
the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Energy. He added that the project has
already created about 7,584 jobs for Tanzanians.
Dr. Mataragio highlighted the local impact, noting, “At
least 146 Tanzanian companies have earned approximately USD 246 million by
providing services to the project. The project has also facilitated purchases
worth USD 462 million and provided training in advanced technologies to local
youth.”
The EACOP project, which is a joint venture between Total
Energies (62 percent), CNOOC (8 percent), the Uganda National Oil Company (15 percent), and the
Tanzania Petroleum Development Corporation (15percent), is currently 39.2 percent complete.
“The construction of the heat preservation pipeline
system at Sojo village is 90 percent finished, and the entire project is expected to be completed by
June 2026,” Dr. Mataragio reported.
He also confirmed that the Tanzanian government has fully
contributed its share of USD 308 million, representing 15 percent of the project’s
initial construction costs.
“Land acquisition for the pipeline in Tanzania is 99.2 percent complete, with only a few remaining issues to be resolved,” he added.
During the visit to the EACOP project site in Chongoleani in
Tanga region, the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Energy reaffirmed their
support.
“This project
demonstrates the foresight of the leaders of Uganda and Tanzania in promoting
environmentally friendly oil transportation,” Committee Chairman Hon. Oran
Njeza remarked.
The committee also commended President Dr. Samia Suluhu
Hassan for her leadership in advancing significant projects like EACOP.
“Projects like these are in line with global trends and are
vital for Tanzania’s future,” said Hon. Njeza.
The committee urged the Ministry of Energy to prioritize the
construction of additional pipelines for gas and oil.
“Our goal is to make Tanzania a key energy transportation
hub in Africa,” the committee hinted.
They also directed the Tanzania Petroleum Development
Corporation (TPDC) to increase public awareness about the project.
Tanga Regional Commissioner, Ambassador Dr. Batilda Burian,
highlighted the local advantages of the EACOP project.
“The project has created around 900 jobs and opened up new
business opportunities in the region,” she said.
She also emphasized the importance of safety, noting, “The
project has maintained a record of zero accidents in over two million work
hours.”