by Jemimah Chungu
It is one thing that the poorest countries that suffer the impacts of environmental degradation the most but another to have them produce so much hydrocarbons on site (direct effect) at the benefit of developed countries.
TotalEnergies of France and the Chinese Oil Company of China were given construction and exploitation agreements of one of the most green environments on the planet, Lake Albert, Murchison falls and national park.
The construction of the East African Crude Oil Pipeline (EACOP) is inching closer to commencement despite environmental and indigenous cry to halt the project. The exploitation along the shores and surrounding areas has commenced.
Since early this year (2023) the project construction of the pipeline in east Africa has raised global environmental concern. The pipeline is also the viewed as the worst pipeline ever constructed in the world.
With a cost- benefit Analysis (CBA), the construction has determined more costs than benefits. The costs surpass what the Ugandan political environment has determined as “an opportunity”.
EACOP anticipated as the longest heated oil pipeline had backing worth US$2 billion from the oil companies behind it. However, another $3 billion of loans may be needed. The prospects for this 1,443 km megaproject have become clouded in financial uncertainty.
Firstly any construction let alone crude oil construction- mining causes a lot of pollution on the immediate environment and ultimately the ozone layer. In this case the construction and the latter mining is being carried out near a water source (Lake Albert) and is resulting damages to life in water, people that access the water, agricultural activities and the ecosystem at large.
Moreover, the construction is jeopardizing other important natural resources in the region such as Murchison falls and national park. This includes the rich biodiversity; wildlife, fauna and flora they encompass. Additionally, the pollutants are being extended to the Tanzanian coast.
Uganda already ranked a struggling economy has had its socioeconomic affected by crude oil development. Millions of Ugandans have to be displaced from their homes. their primary livelihood, agriculture has been jeopardized by grabbing their land, polluting their water as well as their earth ( soils). This is pushing more into poverty or simply worsening their economic status.
Avaas informed; ” So this year, the gloves come off! First, we’ll unite to stop the world’s worst pipeline ripping through East Africa. It would displace thousands of families, shred protected forests — and unleash 1.4 BILLION barrels of oil that we cannot afford to burn. The next 2 months are critical.”
