Tanzanian leader John Magufuli has demanded that work on the joint oil pipeline project with Uganda be started and worked on with a view of finishing ahead of projected deadline.
Magufuli said: “We need the project now because the early it is implemented, the early investors and the countries start generating money, experts from the two countries should start talks with investors to see if oil can start flowing by 2019.”
Magufuli, is in Uganda for a State visit laid the foundation stone along the proposed pipeline corridor on Thursday in Kyotera district about 50km from the Mutukula border.
He was accompanied by Uganda President Yoweri Museveni.
Estimated to cost $3.55 billion, the line will transport Uganda’s crude from Kabaale, in the western Hoima district, to Chongoleani peninsula, near the Tanga port in Tanzania for export overseas.
According to the project report, the 24-inch diameter pipeline will move 216,000 barrels of oil per day at a cost of $12.2 per barrel.