Quantum Commodity Intelligence – Tanzania has approved the construction of a controversial pipeline that will allow Ugandan crude oil to be delivered for export markets, dismissing environmental concerns about the project as “propaganda”, reported Radio France Internationale.
The government approved the construction of the billion 897-mile (1,443-kilometer) East African Crude Oil pipeline (Eacop) through its territory, a key piece of infrastructure to transport crude from oil fields currently being developed in Lake Albert, northwestern Uganda, to the Tanzanian coastline for export.
The $10 billion oilfields and pipeline project is being developed in partnership with France's TotalEnergies, China National Offshore Oil Corporation, along with the state oil companies of Uganda and Tanzania.
Uganda approved the development and pipeline project last month
The underground heated pipeline is set to become the longest of its type when completed, expected in 2025, and has been promoted as an economic opportunity for both countries.
However, environmental groups have flagged concerns that the project threatens the Lake Albert region’s fragile ecosystem and the livelihoods of tens of thousands of people.
Tanzanian Energy Minister January Makamba rejected the environmental and rights concerns as "propaganda".
"There are a lot of noises in opposition to the project,” Makamba said, adding that the country has “complied with all the environmental, safety and human rights standards."
"We are proud of the pipeline because it will increase Tanzania's influence in the world."
Last month, oil drilling started on a CNOOC-operated field in Uganda and the East African country is expected to start production by 2025.
The EU parliament has previously warned that the pipeline project placed 100,000 people "at imminent risk of displacement ... without proper guarantees of adequate compensation."
Ugandan authorities see the pipeline as key to economic development and assert that oil wealth can lift millions out of poverty. Quantum Commodity Intelliegence
