Tanzania President meets Total VP Javier Rielo over Crude Oil Pipeline

Total VP Javier Rielo has assured Tanzania’s president Dr. John Maghufuli that the construction of the Uganda to Tanga pipeline will commence soon.

Rielo who held talks with the Dr. Maghufuli at state house Dar es Salaam earlier today said the French Oil giant had set aside funds for the project.

The 1410 kilometer pipeline will transport 200,000 barrels a day from Uganda’s Albertine basin to the port of Tanga is estimated to cost $4 billion.

On his part Dr. Maghufuli asked that the 3 years timeline set aside for completion for the project be shorted so that the region could benefit from the crude oil.

Also in attendance minister for energy Prof. Sospeter Muhongo said the project was best suited to complete at the Tanga port given the climate and topography of the route.

Muhongo added that Tanzania which is also prospecting for oil in the Lake Tanganyika and Lake Eyasi regions hoped the an oil pipeline would also transport any discoveries.

The concerted effort by both Total and Tanzania to have the route go through the southern route is surely a blow to Kenya who have poured cold water on the Museveni-Maghufuli deal terming it subject to discussion by East African states at the next summit.