EWURA Inspects TAZAMA Oil Pipeline Operations

EWURA Board Inspects TAZAMA Oil Pipeline Operations

Dar es Salaam, March 24, 2025 — The Board of Directors of the Energy and Water Utilities Regulatory Authority (EWURA), led by Chairman Professor Mark Mwandosya, has conducted a strategic inspection of the TAZAMA oil pipeline, which stretches from Dar es Salaam, Tanzania to Ndola, Zambia. The visit, which began on March 21, 2025, aimed to assess operational challenges and identify actionable solutions to enhance the efficiency of oil transportation through the pipeline.

Speaking during the inspection, Ngosi Mwihava, Chairperson of EWURA’s Energy Committee, emphasized the significance of the mission. “One of EWURA’s core mandates in the petroleum sector is the oversight of infrastructure used in the transportation of petroleum products and natural gas. This visit allows us to thoroughly evaluate the TAZAMA pipeline, understand the challenges it faces, and explore how we can assist in resolving them to improve the quality and reliability of services,” Mwihava stated.

He added that the tour also provided a platform for collaboration and knowledge exchange between EWURA and Zambia’s Energy Regulation Board (ERB), particularly in areas such as pricing strategies, oil reserves management, and capacity building for technical staff.

The delegation visited several key facilities along the pipeline route, including the Chilolwa security checkpoint, Chinsali oil pumping station, and the storage depot in Mpika. Additional stops included the Kilonje pumping station, the Mulilima pigging station (for pipeline cleaning equipment dispatch and reception), and the Bwana Mkubwa terminal in Ndola, which serves as the primary receiving point for petroleum products.

During the mission, the EWURA delegation was also scheduled to meet with TAZAMA pipeline management, the Board of the Zambian Energy Regulation Board (ERB), and representatives from the National Water Supply and Sanitation Council (NWASCO) to discuss areas of cross-border regulatory cooperation.

Established in 1968, the TAZAMA pipeline was initially designed to transport crude oil from Tanzania to Zambia. However, the system has since been modernized to handle refined petroleum products.

The pipeline spans approximately 1,710 kilometers, comprising 954 kilometers of 8-inch diameter pipe and 798 kilometers of 12-inch diameter pipe. It is estimated to transport around 800,000 metric tonnes of petroleum products annually.