DEPUTY Prime Minister and Minister for Energy Dr Doto Biteko has promised that Tanzania and Uganda will continue to strengthen collaborations in the implementation of strategic projects in order to lift up the economy and bring development to people.

Biteko made the remarks here during inauguration of a thermal insulation plant of the East African Crude Oil Pipeline (Eacop) and signing of land lease agreements between Eacop and the Tanzania Petroleum Development Corporation (TPDC).

 The new plant will prepare and insulate all the line pipes to be laid on the 1,443 km-long route from Hoima in western Uganda to the Tanzanian port of Tanga.

 The DPM said that apart from the investment in the Eacop, two are in dialogue on the investment in natural gas.

 We thank the Ugandan government for the cooperation in the Eacop project, this friendship will be honoured and developed by coming up with more joint strategic projects to boost the economy,” he said.

He urged Tanzanians in the areas where the project passes to be custodians of the projects which include protecting the infrastructure.

 In another development, Biteko warned Tanzanians to stop being used by foreign companies and commit fraud in order to secure work in strategic projects thus depriving their colleagues of opportunities.

 He also wanted local contractors and Tanzanians who have secured jobs in various strategic projects to work hard and faithfully in order to create a good image.

 Ugandan Energy Minister, Ruth Nankabirwa said the initiative underscores commitment of the two countries to enhancing energy infrastructure and security as well as promoting regional cooperation.

 Mussa Makame, Tanzania Petroleum Development Corporation (TPDC) said the pipeline is 1443km in length from Hoima in western Uganda to the Marine Storage Terminal in Tanga, Tanzania has invested 820bn/- in shares and so far it has provided 710bn/-.

On compensation, 99.2 percent of citizens have been paid where 340 houses have been built.

 The plant, located at Sojo village, Nzega District, Tabora region, will insulate the line pipes and the 86,000-line pipe joints before installation along the route in Uganda and Tanzania.

The thermal insulation, similar to a thermos flask, enables the pipes to retain the warmth of the fluid inside while simultaneously keeping the external environment cool.