Tanzania urges quicker pipeline construction

With construction originally set for August 2016, Tanzanian President John Magufuli has requested that the Tanzania-Uganda pipeline project begin sooner. Total East Africa Vice President Javier Rielo assured President Magufuli that an earlier construction date was possible, as the “funds [of US$4 billion] for the implementation of the project is already available.”

President Magufuli also asked for the project time to be reduced to just three years in order to experience the pipeline benefits sooner.

The 1410 km (876 mile) pipeline is set to transport 200 000 bpd of crude oil through numerous Tanzanian regions from Tanga’s port to Uganda, and will consequently employ approximately 1500 people directly.

"It is anticipated that over 200 000 t of bare pipes, materials and equipments such as pipe insulation, pump, bulk heating and trace heating stations will be imported through Tanga port," James Mataragio, Tanzania Petroleum Development Corporation (TPDC) Executive Director stated.

Mataragio revealed that the project will be undertaken by the UK’s Tullow Oil plc, France’s Total E&P and China’s CNOOC.

Mataragio stated: “We are working round the clock to enable the project to commence and proceed according to schedule.”

Edited from various sources by Stephanie Roker

Sources: Mail & Guardian Africa, East African Business Week, Reuters, News Ghana, IPP Media

Read the article online at: https://www.worldpipelines.com/business-news/16032016/tanzania-urges-quicker-pipeline-construction/