The Board of Directors of the Energy and Water Utilities Regulatory Authority (EWURA) has expressed satisfaction with the progress of the East African Crude Oil Pipeline (EACOP) project, saying the pace of construction indicates that crude oil transportation could begin within the planned schedule.
EWURA Vice Chairperson, Ngosi Mwihava, made the remarks during a board visit to the project site in Missenyi District, Kagera Region, where members inspected the implementation of the strategic regional infrastructure project linking Uganda and Tanzania.
Mwihava said the board was impressed by the level of work being carried out by contractors, noting that construction activities were progressing in line with professional standards, project timelines and environmental protection requirements.
He explained that EWURA, which issued the construction licence for the pipeline on the Tanzanian side, was conducting the inspection to ensure all agreed conditions are being implemented, including environmental conservation measures and local participation in employment opportunities.
“We have witnessed significant construction activities progressing at a satisfactory pace. These developments show that the target of starting oil transportation within the planned timeline can be achieved,” he said.
According to project updates, the EACOP project has surpassed 70 percent completion, with construction activities continuing in various sections of the pipeline route.
In Chongoleani, Tanga Region, construction of oil storage tanks has already been completed and testing is underway.
Work is also continuing on the offshore jetty that will facilitate oil exports to international markets once the project becomes operational.
Mwihava said the project continues to create economic opportunities for communities living along the pipeline corridor through employment, business activities and social investment programmes.
“We are encouraged to see environmental issues being handled carefully while surrounding communities continue benefiting through jobs and social development initiatives linked to the project,” he said.
He also urged contractors and companies involved in the project to continue complying with all regulatory requirements, especially by increasing opportunities for Tanzanians in jobs, supply chains and professional services.
The EACOP project involves the construction of a 1,443-kilometre heated crude oil pipeline from Hoima in Uganda to Chongoleani in Tanga, with the larger section of the pipeline passing through Tanzania.
The project is regarded as one of the largest energy investments in East Africa and is expected to contribute to economic growth, government revenue and regional energy transportation infrastructure.
The pipeline project is led by TotalEnergies, alongside the Tanzania Petroleum Development Corporation (TPDC), Uganda National Oil Company (UNOC) and CNOOC.
