EWURA Board Inspects EACOP Pipeline Route for Safety and Compliance

The Energy and Water Utilities Regulatory Authority (EWURA) of Tanzania recently conducted a supervisory inspection of the East African Crude Oil Pipeline (EACOP) project from Chongoleani in  Tanga to Hoima in Uganda. The visit to the Uganda section took place from Wednesday 1^st March to Sunday 5th March 2023. It was aimed at assessing the pipeline route and the status of EACOP activities.

The visit was led by the board chair of EWURA, Prof. Mark Mwandosya, who was accompanied by the Tanzanian High Commissioner to Uganda, Dr. Azizi Ponary Mlima. The team arrived at the Mutukula border point and proceeded to the pipeline route to begin their inspections. The Petroleum Authority of Uganda (PAU) team was led by the board chair Ms. Jane Mulema. The EACOP team was led by Mr. Lawrence Ssempagi, the Project Compliance Lead – Uganda.

The EWURA team inspected several key locations along the EACOP pipeline route, including Main Camp and Pipe Yard (MCPY) 1, Pumping station (PS) 1 and 2, and MCPY 3 and 4, and Kafu River crossing. They also visited replacement houses for Project Affected Persons (PAPs) in Kakumiro and saw their new residences, which were more comfortable than their previous ones. The EACOP team received positive feedback from the EWURA inspection team, showcasing the project’s commitment to operating in compliance with regulatory requirements and demonstrating the progress being made towards the completion of the pipeline.

The EWURA team also visited several other locations that are not part of the EACOP project, including; Tilenga camp, Central Processing Facility (CPF) and drill sites, Kingfisher CPF and drill site, and Kabaale International Airport.

The EACOP team received positive feedback from the EWURA inspection team, showcasing the project’s commitment to operating in compliance with regulatory requirements and demonstrating the progress being made towards the completion of the pipeline. The visit was an important opportunity to showcase EACOP’s efforts and dedication to ensuring the pipeline is safe and secure for years to come.

The EACOP team will continue to work closely with regulatory bodies to ensure the pipeline is completed successfully and meets all necessary safety and environmental standards.