Tanzania in drive to prepare communities for oil pipeline project

Authorities in north-eastern Tanzania's Tanga region have embarked on a campaign geared to prepare local communities on how they can explore benefits embedded in the conning crude oil pipeline project.

The move came when Tanzania and Uganda agreed to build a 4 billion U.S. dollar pipeline to transport crude oil from Kabale in Uganda to Tanga Port in the Indian Ocean.

Upon completion, the project is envisaged to create 15,000 jobs during its execution.

"We have embarked on a new campaign to sensitize people from all walks of life on how they can be involved and benefit out of the new regional project," said Paul Bwoki, a regional leader of Tanzania Chamber of Commerce, Industry and Agriculture (TCCIA).

According to him, TCCIA and other stakeholders have teamed up to mobilize and educate people as preparation to the project, whose construction is expected to start in August and will be completed in the next three years.

"A series of seminars and meetings will be carried out so that to make aware of this historic and giant project for people living in northern part of the country," Bwoki said.

Bwoki was optimistic that the project has a wide-range of employment opportunities in areas of clearing and forwarding, hoteliers, transporters, casual workers and other service providers.

According to Tanzania Petroleum Development Corporation, the 24-inch conduit to cover 1,403 kilometres is expected to convey 200,000 barrels of crude oil per day. Endit