"Concerns raised over red tape at the East African crude oil pipeline project"

Residents from the eight regions where the East African Crude Oil Pipeline (EACOP) project will pass, expressed concerns yesterday about the emerging bureaucracy that may see many missing out on opportunities rleated to the pipeline in their area. The stage has already been set for the construction of a $3.5 billion 1,443km oil pipeline from Hoima in Uganda to the port city of Tanga to commence following the signing of all Host Government Agreements...

However, speaking at different occasions, the people who attended the meeting said that they were ready to seize the opportunities, but are skeptical of the already witnessed bureaucracy when appointing companies to provide services in the project. Mr Masoud of the passenger transport sector in Tanga region, said signs of bureaucracy have begun that indicated that clearing and forwarding companies may be replaced by government agencies.