By The Respondent reporter
The Tanzania Petroleum Development Corporation (TPDC) Managing Director of Mussa Makame (pictured standing) has announced that the East African Crude Oil Pipeline (EACOP) project is 43.5% complete, with significant progress in various construction areas, including full completion of camp and pipeline storage facilities.
Mr. Makame provided the update today while presenting a report to the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Energy and Minerals on the status of the EACOP project, which involves the construction of a 1,443 km crude oil pipeline from Hoima, Uganda, to Chongoleani, Tanga in Tanzania.
"The pipeline spans 1,443 km, with 1,147 km, or 80%, of the project located on Tanzanian soil," Makame said. He added that the construction of the Thermal Insulation System (TIS) plant, which is critical for the heating system that will keep the crude oil flowing through the pipeline, is 92% complete.
The pipeline, which passes through eight Tanzanian regions—Kagera, Geita, Shinyanga, Tabora, Singida, Dodoma, Manyara, and Tanga—will have the capacity to transport 216,000 barrels of crude oil per day once operational.
In addition to the EACOP project, the Parliamentary Committee also received a report on the progress of rural electrification from the Director General of the Rural Energy Agency (REA), Engineer Hassan Saidy.
Saidy reported that by September 2024, electricity services had reached 12,240 villages across Tanzania, up from 506 villages in 2007, representing a massive expansion of 11,734 villages in 17 years. "This expansion of rural electrification has significantly improved social services, particularly in the areas of health, education, and water," Saidy said, highlighting the impact of electrification in remote areas.
Saidy also announced plans for further expansion, including the government's intention to distribute 450,000 subsidized gas cylinders to promote clean cooking energy across the country in the current financial year.
Additionally, the Rea director outlined efforts to bring electricity to small mining areas, industrial zones, and agricultural regions in Ruvuma, Njombe, Mbeya, and Rukwa. The project, which is set to improve access to power in these critical sectors, includes the construction of 1,372.39 km of medium voltage power lines, 995.81 km of low voltage lines, the installation of 603 transformers, and electricity connections to 591 designated areas.
Both the EACOP and rural electrification projects are expected to contribute significantly to Tanzania’s energy and infrastructure landscape, driving economic growth and improving the quality of life in rural and urban areas alike.