By Our Reporter,
Tanga.
The Government has commended the East African Crude Oil Pipeline (EACOP) for its continued contribution to community development after the project disbursed TZS 33.6 million to support coastal livelihoods and environmental conservation in Tanga City.
The funds target communities living near the Marine Tank Terminal (MTT) and jetty at the Chongoleani Peninsula, with a focus on improving incomes while promoting sustainable use of marine resources.
“It is the government’s responsibility to build the economy of its people, but we also need stakeholders to support these efforts across social and economic sectors,” he said.
“We commend EACOP for supporting Project Affected Persons (PAPs) and contributing to the protection of our coastal environment.”
The funds, disbursed through MWAMBAO Coastal Community Network Tanzania—EACOP’s biodiversity and livelihood contractor—were allocated to 16 MKUBA community groups in the Mchomapunda Coastal Area.
The groups, comprising 480 members from Chongoleani and Putini, each received TZS 2.1 million through direct bank transfers, enhancing transparency and financial inclusion.
The handover event, held at Putini Primary School grounds in Chongoleani Ward, brought together government officials, EACOP and MWAMBAO representatives, and local community members.
EACOP Tanzania’s Land and Social Manager, Mr. Abraham Youz, said the initiative is part of a broader 4.5-year programme launched in May 2024 titled “Biodiversity Offsetting and Livelihood Restoration for Communities of the Mchomapunda Community Fisheries Management Area.”
According to him, the programme aims to strengthen economic resilience while safeguarding the environment.
“We are proud to work closely with communities impacted by the project by supporting livelihood restoration initiatives such as farming and livestock keeping,” he said.
“This support reflects our commitment to creating long-term value and sustainable livelihoods.”
“I am encouraged to see that many beneficiaries are women. Investing in women is investing in families and communities,” she said.
The programme, implemented by MWAMBAO, focuses on coral reef restoration, mangrove rehabilitation, the MKUBA eco-credit programme, and diversification of income-generating activities.
MWAMBAO Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Said Khalid, described the initiative as transformative, empowering communities to take ownership of conservation efforts while improving their livelihoods.
“These grants mark the beginning of a new journey. By linking environmental conservation with economic opportunity, we are creating sustainable benefits for both present and future generations,” he said.
Beneficiaries expressed optimism about the impact of the funds. Ms. Mwasiwa Abdallah from the Heri ya Moyo Group said she plans to expand her khanga business to support her family.
“This support will help improve my business and my family’s livelihood,” she said.
Another beneficiary, Ms. Mwanaisha Salim of the Tupendane Group, highlighted the environmental benefits of the programme.
“We are committed to planting more trees, protecting our environment, and fighting illegal fishing as part of our responsibility,” she said.
A key feature of the initiative is the MKUBA eco-credit system, which rewards communities for active participation in biodiversity conservation. The system enables groups to earn sustainable income while reducing pressure on marine resources.
As implementation progresses, the programme is expected to serve as a model for community-driven conservation and inclusive economic growth across Tanzania’s coastal regions.
The East African Crude Oil Pipeline (EACOP) is a 1,443-kilometre infrastructure project designed to transport crude oil from Kabaale in Hoima, Uganda, to the Chongoleani Peninsula in Tanga, Tanzania. The project is jointly owned by TotalEnergies (62%), Uganda National Oil Company (15%), Tanzania Petroleum Development Corporation (15%), and CNOOC (8%).
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