The Ministry of Energy has commended the implementation progress of the East African Crude Oil Pipeline (EACOP) project as nearing to the end.
Speaking during a one-day visit to inspect and witness the progress of the project’s infrastructure construction at Chongoleani area in Tanga Region, the Commissioner for Electricity and Renewable Energy, Engineer Innocent Luoga, emphasized the importance of the project to the country’s economy and regional cooperation between Tanzania and Uganda.
“We have witnessed tremendous work being carried out here. This is not just a pipeline project, but an economic lifeline that will create business opportunities, jobs, and new technologies for our youth,” said Engineer Luoga.
He stated that the visit focused on inspecting the oil pipeline laying area, where a large portion of the pipeline has already been laid, with only a small section remaining.
He expressed confidence that the work would be completed within the scheduled timeframe.
“We visited and inspected all the important sections of this project. We are pleased and satisfied, and the project report presented to us matches the actual progress on the ground,” explained Engineer Luoga.
Furthermore, he noted that the project has become a major source of employment by providing both direct and indirect jobs, as well as various opportunities for communities surrounding the project area.
Among the benefits are the creation of 9,000 jobs for skilled and unskilled Tanzanians, improvement of infrastructure in various vocational training institutions, and scholarships for students pursuing Bachelor’s, Master’s, and practical training programs in different colleges and universities.
“As the Government, we call upon citizens and business people to seize the available opportunities, while we continue to closely supervise the project day and night to ensure it is completed on schedule,” stressed Engineer Luoga.
On her part, the Local Content Supervisor from EACOP, Ms. Neema Kweka, said that the Ministry’s visit had motivated them and demonstrated how the government recognizes EACOP’s contribution in creating opportunities for local communities.
“We continue to implement the contractual agreements between us and the Government in various areas, especially in local content, as the project has already employed more than 9,000 Tanzanians,” noted Ms. Kweka.
“We are very grateful for visits like these because they encourage us and provide an opportunity to receive feedback and challenges that will help improve some operational areas,” she added.
Meanwhile, the Project Engineer at Marine Tanks Terminal ( MTT) at Chongoleani, Mr. Musa Msafiri, said that the oil tank department has reached the final stages of implementation, equivalent to 94 percent completion, and testing has already begun.
“Two out of the four tanks have been completed, and we have started testing them by filling them with water. The results show high strength and quality standards, allowing them to safely receive oil,” said Engineer Msafiri.
In addition, he stated that the project is modern and adheres to international quality standards without negatively affecting the environment.
The shareholders of EACOP are TotalEnergies with 62 percent ownership, the Tanzania Petroleum Development Corporation (TPDC) and the Uganda National Oil Company (UNOC), each holding 15 percent, while the China National Offshore Oil Corporation (CNOOC) owns 8 percent.
The 1,443-kilometre EACOP pipeline starts in Hoima District, Uganda, and ends in Tanga Region, Tanzania. The pipeline passes through eight regions in mainland Tanzania: Kagera, Geita, Shinyanga, Tabora, Singida, Dodoma, Manyara, and Tanga.
