The work towards the construction of a crude oil pipeline between Uganda and Tanzania is officially on, with project developers inviting reputable contractors to undertake a social and resettlement plan, The Citizen informed.

In mid November, the two governments have agreed to accelerate the implementation of the project, as Reuters reported. To be known as East African Crude Oil Pipeline (EACOP), the project, which will transport Ugandan crude to Tanga Port in Tanzania, will be built jointly by France’s Total SA, the UK-based Tullow Oil, and Chinese state-owned company Cnooc Ltda.

Total E&P Uganda, an oil and gas exploration company which is a subsidiary of Total SA, stated that it wants experienced contractors to express their interests in carrying out the social and resettlement planning services for the Tanzania part of EACOP project, which is scheduled to start in January 2017.

Uganda discovered crude near its border with the Democratic Republic of Congo 10 years ago, but has yet to start production after repeated delays. Choosing a route to export the crude from the land-locked nation is a vital step.