Africa-Press – Tanzania. ENERGY Minister, Dr Medard Kalemani has called on Tanzanians in eight regions where the 1,445-km East African Crude Oil Pipeline (EACOP) will pass to protect the infrastructure and take advantage of the opportunities arising from the project.
Out of the 1,445 kms, Tanzania takes the lion’s share, with about 1,147 kms, almost 80 per cent. About 10,000 to 15,000 Tanzanians will get employment, out of which 2,017 will be Kagera residents. The oil pipeline will pass through eight regions, 24 districts and 134 wards.
The respective regions include Kagera, Geita, Shinyanga, Tabora, Singida, Dodoma, Manyara and Tanga. Dr Kalemani assured eligible people who were affected by the implementation of the project that they will be compensated by next one month. He made the remarks yesterday during a sensitization seminar on EACOP project benefits held at Bunazi township, in Missenyi district.
“People affected by the implementation of the EACOP project will be paid compensation within one month. An evaluation made by the government had already been completed. However, people should avoid cheating, because this could lead to being prosecuted in court,” he warned.
Minister Kalemani elaborated that Tanzania holds 15 per cent shares under the Hoima (Uganda)-Chongoleani (Tanga) oil pipeline while the government had already paid 259.96bn/- for implementation of the project.
He also directed the Energy, Water Utility Regulatory Authority (EWURA) to ensure that they reach people at regional level while registering companies locally owned by Tanzania citizens. The companies would get priority while considering tenders in the implementation of the EACOP project, he said.
In Kagera region, the pipeline will pass through 20 wards, 34 villages and 117 hamlets. Dr Kalemani disclosed that so far about three components had been completed, namely geological, geophysical and geotechnical studies.
