Media Wire Express Correspondent
Tanga Regional Commissioner, Dr. Batilda Buriani, has praised the governments of Tanzania and Uganda for constructing the East African Crude Oil Pipeline (EACOP), which has opened up investment opportunities for citizens in both nations with longstanding ties.
Dr. Buriani highlighted that these relations have positioned Tanzania as a key partner in the pipeline project, with Tanga region set to receive the crude oil from Uganda for export.
She made these remarks on November 9, 2024, during a visit to inspect the project’s implementation in various areas of Tanga, including Chogoleani, where infrastructure for oil reception is underway.
“Tanga is the final point in Tanzania for the project, where the oil will be temporarily stored before being loaded onto large ships for export. Currently, tank construction is at 65% completion, while the overall project progress stands at 45.5%,” Dr. Buriani noted.
She explained that this strategic project aligns with President Dr. Samia Suluhu Hassan’s vision to address youth unemployment challenges. Dr. Buriani added that the project has motivated young people to pursue technical training to capitalize on emerging job opportunities.
The project spans six districts in Tanga, namely Handeni, Muheza, Kilindi, Korogwe, Mkinga, and Tanga City, with land compensation underway in some areas where the pipeline passes through.
Additionally, workers’ camps and oil pressure reduction stations are being built to manage the flow of oil from Uganda through various regions in Tanzania for storage in large tanks before loading onto oil tankers for international markets.
Dr. Buriani emphasized that this project will open up Tanga, as ongoing research continues to explore potential oil reserves both onshore and offshore, making Tanga a crucial hub for crude oil storage infrastructure in Tanzania.
