Eyasi-Wembere exploration moves closer to drilling

SINGIDA: THE Eyasi-Wembere oil exploration project has moved closer to drilling after reaching the final stages of seismic data processing, a milestone expected to unlock jobs, business opportunities and investment in Singida.

Acting Singida Regional Administrative Secretary, Mr Boaz Kajigili said yesterday the project has entered a critical phase, with seismic data acquisition and processing nearing completion as preparations continue for an exploratory well.

Speaking while opening a seminar for journalists organised by the Tanzania Petroleum Development Corporation (TPDC), Mr Kajigili said the project, which covers Mkalama and Iramba Districts, is expected to create opportunities for local communities through the supply of goods and services, transport and other business activities.

“The project is expected to generate more opportunities for local communities through the provision of goods and services, transport and other business activities,” he said.

Mr Kajigili said the East African Crude Oil Pipeline (EACOP), which passes through Iramba, Mkalama and Singida Districts over a distance of 140.79 kilometres, has so far paid more than 2.35bn/- in compensation to 1,329 project affected persons.

ALSO READ: How Eyasi-Wembere oil exploration project touches people’s lives in Meatu

He said 42 replacement houses have also been built for families relocated from the project area. Apart from compensation, he said, affected communities have benefited from entrepreneurship training, financial literacy programmes and support for poultry, cattle and beekeeping projects aimed at creating sustainable livelihoods.

Mr Kajigili said increased utilisation of natural gas remains crucial for electricity generation, industrial development, domestic energy use and transportation, adding that expanding its use will help reduce dependence on imported petroleum products and ease pressure on foreign exchange expenditure.

He urged journalists to report accurately on the oil and gas sector by presenting facts and statistics in simple language while paying attention to citizens’ rights, environmental protection and local content participation.

“Balanced reporting should highlight both the benefits and the challenges associated with these projects,” he said.

Mr Kajigili also called on TPDC to strengthen collaboration with regional and local government authorities so communities receive timely information on project progress, emerging economic opportunities and measures taken to address implementation challenges.

The Eyasi-Wembere exploration project has been under implementation since 2015 and is regarded as one of the country’s strategic onshore oil prospects because of its geological similarities to the Albertine and Turkana basins, where commercial oil discoveries have already been made.