By Edward Byamukama
Daqing Oilfield Construction Group (DOCG) a company contracted to design and construct the Kingfisher feeder-line is set to test and power the high voltage electric line, a crucial step in the development of Uganda’s oil sector in the Kingfisher Development Area- KFDA.
KFDA covers the Kingfisher field located in Kikuube with plans for future tie-in of Mputa-Nzizi-Waraga fields in Kaiso-Tonya, Hoima District.
Ian Alinaitwe. the deputy manager Daqing Oilfield Construction Group (DOCG) disclosed that the feeder line, 46.5km long, 12-inch diameter insulated pipeline will transport the crude oil from Kingfisher CPF storage tanks to the export hub in Kabaale industrial Park.
He says, as part of the ongoing development at Kingfisher Development Area, DOCG was tasked with installation, testing and powering high-voltage power lines that would ensure reliable electricity supply for drilling and processing operations.
This phase of construction was crucial; it involved careful planning and execution to meet safety standards while ensuring that the power lines could handle the demands of modern oil extraction technologies.
This pipeline will be buried 1.5m -2 m underground and will be equipped with a Heat Tracing System (HTS) to ensure continued flow of the crude oil.
He furthermore disclosed that the testing will start on 15th January 2025 therefore calling upon Residents of Kyakapere, Kataaba, Kamwokya, Kyarushesha, Hohwa, Rwengabi in Kikuube district and Kabale and Nyamasoga in Hoima District have been warned to stay away during testing at least 5 metres.
After construction, there will be no restriction of movement for both animals and humans in the 30m right of way of the pipeline. The fibre optic cable has been laid along the pipeline to support a 24/7 monitoring system for leakage detection.
