Deputy Permanent Secretary for the Oil and Gas Sector at the Ministry of Energy, Dr. James Mataragio, has called on the East African Crude Oil Pipeline (EACOP) company to speed up the implementation of social service projects (CSR) for communities impacted by the pipeline.
Dr. Mataragio said this during a monitoring visit on July 29, 2025, to the construction sites of Section No. 8 in Bukombe and Pump Station No. 4 in Mbogwe, Geita Region.
The visit was part of ongoing oversight of the East African crude oil pipeline project linking Hoima in Uganda to Chongoleani in Tanga, Tanzania.
“The EACOP project must clearly identify and address the social needs of communities along the pipeline corridor by implementing key infrastructure and services such as water supply, roads, schools, and healthcare facilities, as stipulated in the project contract. This will ensure that local residents genuinely benefit and feel part of the project,” Dr. Mataragio emphasized.
He acknowledged that while construction work is progressing well, the social responsibility initiatives need urgent attention.
He urged EACOP to review and strengthen its community engagement strategy to maximize benefits for host communities.
Jihad Diab, supervisor of Pump Station No. 4 in Mbogwe, said the company is preparing a comprehensive CSR strategy aimed at addressing community needs. “We have already identified priority social projects in the area and are ready to implement them,” he noted.
To foster closer ties with communities, EACOP has been running awareness campaigns educating residents about the project’s benefits.
Village leaders have also been regularly invited to visit the sites and engage directly with the project team, helping the locals feel integrated into the process.
Construction on Section No. 8 in Bukombe has reached 36%, while progress at Pump Station No. 4 in Mbogwe stands at 46.1%.
The pipeline project is a joint venture between Tanzania and Uganda, each holding 15% ownership. China’s CNOOC holds 8%, while Total Energies controls 62%. The project is expected to be completed by July 2026.