Oil project faces pressure to deliver for locals

GEITA: The Deputy Permanent Secretary responsible for the Oil and Gas Sector in the Ministry of Energy, Dr James Mataragio has directed the East African Crude Oil Pipeline (EACOP) company to accelerate the implementation of community service projects (CSR activities) by allocating sufficient funds for the initiatives.

Dr Matagio gave the directives during his visit to Mbogwe and Bukombe in Geita Region, where he went to inspect the progress of the project noting that the company should ensure that residents living near the project area feel included and benefit from it.

Emphasising, he said that EACOP must identify the social needs of communities in the project areas and implement community service projects in line with contractual obligations so that residents can benefit from water supply, roads, schools, hospitals, and other social services.

ALSO READ: Tanzania, Uganda make strides as EACOP project completes by 50 percent

“It is obvious that EACOP has done well in many areas and the overall progress of the project is on track but I want you to re-look on the community benefits. Put more effort, focus and a strategic plan to ensure greater impact for surrounding populations,” he said.

On his part, the manager of Pump Station 4 in Mbogwe, Jihad Diab said that EACOP is currently preparing to implement its CSR strategy where they have already identified community needs in various areas ready to be implemented.

The East African Crude Oil Pipeline is a joint project between Tanzania and Uganda, with each country holding a 15 percent share.

The 1,443km crude oil export pipeline will transport Uganda’s crude oil from Kabaale – Hoima in Uganda to the Chongoleani Peninsula near Tanga port in Tanzania. It will have a peak capacity of 246,000 bbls/day.