EACOP hits 91% completion

What the report says

The Independent Uganda, citing URN, reports that construction of the 1,443-kilometre East African Crude Oil Pipeline has reached 91% completion. The project is intended to move crude oil from Uganda’s Albertine Graben to Tanzania’s coast, and the outlet says the progress keeps Uganda closer to first oil, which is expected by the end of this year.

The pipeline is a joint venture involving China Petroleum Pipeline Engineering Co. Ltd. and Worley Limited, and is owned by TotalEnergies E&P Uganda, the Uganda National Oil Company, the Tanzania Petroleum Development Corporation and CNOOC Uganda. The reported route runs from Hoima District through several Ugandan districts before crossing into Tanzania and ending near the Port of Tanga. The article also says the system includes a heated 24-inch pipeline, pump stations, pressure reduction stations and a marine export terminal.

EACOP Deputy Managing Director John Bosco Habomugisha said progress has been slower than expected because of disruptions linked to conflict in the Middle East, which affected cargo movement, as well as travel problems for specialists and the impact of an Ebola outbreak in Uganda. He said all pipeline material has been manufactured and most of it buried underground.

The article frames EACOP as both an infrastructure project and a regional economic initiative. It says the project has created more than 12,000 jobs, awarded over 7,500 contracts to local businesses, and supported community programs, housing replacement, vocational training and tree planting along the route.