MOROGORO: EXPERTS and academics have expressed strong approval of the East African Crude Oil Pipeline (EACOP) project, noting its adherence to international standards and the benefits it brings to local communities.
In separate statements made over the weekend, they highlighted the professionalism in the implementation of the project, which runs from Hoima in Uganda to Chongoleani in Tanga, Tanzania.
The experts emphasised that the communities along the pipeline route are set to gain significantly from this major infrastructure.
Professor Faustin Kamuzora, a former Permanent Secretary in the Vice-President’s Office, the Prime Minister’s Office and Regional Administrative Secretary for Kagera Region, praised the project for its exceptional quality and compliance with international standards.
“Among the projects I have witnessed, EACOP stands out for its high-quality implementation. I have observed the project from its feasibility studies to its current phase,” Prof Kamuzora said.
He noted that as a native of Kagera Region, where the pipeline begins, he understands the socio-economic benefits that the project will bring to communities along its route.
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The pipeline traverses eight regions in mainland Tanzania—Kagera, Geita, Shinyanga, Tabora, Singida, Dodoma, Manyara and Tanga—covering 24 districts, 134 wards and over 180 villages.
Dr Tasco Romanus Luambano, an Advocate of the High Court of Tanzania and Senior Lecturer at Mzumbe University’s Mbeya Campus, also lauded the project. He highlighted the pipeline’s potential to drive socio-economic growth in the country.
“I visited several areas along the pipeline route and was very impressed. The local communities I spoke with were enthusiastic about the project and its positive impact on their lives,” Dr Luambano said.
Oil and Gas Expert Mr Jackson Jalimba commended the governments of Tanzania and Uganda for their collaborative efforts on this significant project, noting that it has placed both countries on the global stage.
The project’s shareholders include TotalEnergies (62 per cent), Uganda National Oil Company (UNOC) (15 per cent), China National Offshore Oil Corporation (CNOOC) (8 per cent) and the Tanzania Petroleum Development Corporation (TPDC) (15 per cent).