You’ve our support, JPM assures Total

        Dar es Salaam. President John Magufuli on Tuesday, December 5 held talks with delegates from Total S.A., which is the investor in the Hoima-Tanga Crude Oil Pipeline project.

A statement issued yesterday by the Director in the Directorate of Presidential Communications, Mr Gerson Msigwa, revealed.

Among others, Dr Magufuli assured the delegates of the government’s commitment to work closely with the firm during the implementation of the project.

The 1,445-kilometre long pipeline worth over $3.5 billion will run from Hoima in Uganda to Tanga port in Tanzania.

Dr Magufuli further urged the Petroleum firm to speed up the construction process in a bid to make sure that the people of Uganda and Tanzania start benefitting from the project.

“Our expectations are high and we trust that you will complete the construction as soon as possible even before 2020. The government is committed to cooperate with you during and after implementation of the project. I also encourage you to adhere to the country’s laws, including paying tax,” he said.

Furthermore, Dr Magufuli urged the firm to offer both direct and indirect job opportunities to Tanzanians living along the pipeline route.

Backing up Dr Magufuli’s arguments on same occasion, Energy minister Merdard Kalemani and that of Industry, Trade and Investments Charles Mwijage said the petroleum firm was also committed to boost Tanzania’s oil market.

For his part, Total S.A Marketing & Services president Momar Nguer thanked Dr Magufuli and Ugandan President Mr Yoweri Museveni for their commitment to the project.