A worker at the site told URN that he was happy that the project was finally about to take off after years of waiting. To him, the EACOP project has reached a "Point of no return"
The EACOP project players that include Total East Africa, Petroleum Authority of Uganda-PAU, New Plan among other contractors are currently engaging communities affected by the pipeline route, on its progress as well as simplifying the Resettlement Action Plan recently approved by the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Development.
The Manager in charge Second Licensing, Frank Mugisha confirmed the latest development saying a company shortlisted for biding was allowed to add a joint venture partner at the Request for Qualification (RfQ) stage.
Many of the Project Affected Persons-PAPs in the districts of Lwengo, Kyotera, Rakai and Gomba have repeatedly demanded a second evaluation exercise before the actual construction works begin. They argue that their properties have gained value since 2018 when the first assessments were conducted.
At least six international banks have backtracked on their financing plans for a USD 3.5 billion project, which will include developments of oil fields in the Albertine region and the construction of a crude oil export pipeline from Hoima in Uganda to Tanga in Tanzania.
The 1,443 kilometres oil export pipeline will transport crude oil from Uganda’s oil fields in Hoima to Tanga refinery in Tanzania, running through 10 districts in Uganda. However, hundreds of People in the areas earmarked for the pipeline are required to vacate their properties upon compensation to pave way for the construction.
Rubondo like other players insists that Final Investment Decision is simply an event adding that what is a key is for those planning to participate is to make adequate preparations as well as participate in ongoing works.
The 1,443km crude oil export pipeline will transport Uganda’s crude oil from Hoima in Uganda to the Chongoleani peninsula near Tanga port in Tanzania. The pipeline envisaged to be the longest electrically heated pipeline in the world, will cross through 10 districts in Uganda, a distance of 296 kilometres and 25 districts in Tanzania, covering eight regions and 25 districts.
The country is yet to finalise the National oil Spills Contingency Plan that would outline response in case of an oil spill on Lake Albert other lakes and Rivers.
Gomba is one of the ten districts where the proposed 1,445 kilometres long East African Crude Oil pipeline will pass from Hoima in Uganda to the refinery in Tanzania. The terminal will run through 25 sub counties in Uganda.
Tanzania has 57 trillion cubic feet tcf of undeveloped and proven natural gas reserves that can be turned in liquefied natural gas LNG.It is emerging that resource can be used by Uganda to enable flow of the crude oil from Hoima to Tanga and as well be used to develop Ugandas iron ore.
The two leaders held rallies at the Ugandan and Tanzanian side of the border and later laid a foundation stone at one of the proposed corridors for the proposed East African Crude oil Pipeline EACOP.
Tumwebaze says the agreement lists areas of cooperation between the two countries so as to establish and maintain favorable conditions for the implementation of the EACOP Project.
