On this date, TPDC formally handed over the project site to the consortium of China Petroleum Pipeline Engineering Co., Ltd. (CPP) and China Petroleum Technology & Development Corporation (CPTDC), in line with contractual requirements. The handover granted the contractor full access to the site, allowing them to begin collecting essential technical data, carrying out detailed site investigations, and initiating aspects of the engineering design. The handover represented a critical step in transitioning the project from contractual formalization to physical readiness, ensuring that once detailed design, procurement and mobilization were complete, site works during construction could progress smoothly and without delays

On 3^rd July 2025, TPDC officially entered into an Engineering, Procurement, and Construction (EPC) contract with the consortium of China Petroleum Pipeline Engineering Co., Ltd. (CPP) and China Petroleum Technology & Development Corporation (CPTDC). The signing of this agreement legally committed both parties to a defined scope of work that included detailed design, procurement of all materials, and execution of construction activities for the Ntorya–Madimba Natural Gas Pipeline.

Through the signed contract, TPDC secured a reliable contractor with proven experience in pipeline engineering, which provides confidence that the pipeline would be delivered within the agreed schedule.

The procurement process for selecting the Engineering, Procurement, and Construction (EPC) contractor was launched on 14th October 2024, when invitations to tender were issued to three (3) shortlisted firms. The bid opening took place on 15th November 2024, followed by a detailed technical and financial evaluation of the submissions. On 13th February 2025, the TPDC Board of Directors approved the outcome of this evaluation, endorsing the selected consortium.

The Ntorya–Madimba Natural Gas Pipeline Project achieved a key regulatory milestone on 18th August 2024, when it was granted its Environmental and Social Impact Assessment (ESIA) certificate by the National Environment Management Council (NEMC). The assessment process involved a comprehensive review of potential environmental and social impacts along the pipeline route and other gas infrastructures.

Receiving this certification confirmed full compliance with national regulatory frameworks and alignment with international standards for environmental and social responsibility. More importantly, it provided the project with the official clearance to move forward toward construction, under a framework that prioritizes sustainability and long-term benefits for both communities and the environment.

On 20th July 2024, the Engineering Consultant completed the Detailed Engineering Design (DED) and cost estimates for the Ntorya–Madimba Natural Gas Pipeline Project.

The design defined the technical specifications for the 34.2-kilometre pipeline and its associated facilities, including construction methods, material requirements, and operational standards. In parallel, the Consultant prepared detailed cost estimates, giving TPDC a clear picture of the resources required to deliver the project. The completion of this assignment created the structured basis for sound decision-making.

Also, the Consultant’s deliverables laid the groundwork for the procurement process to acquire an EPC contractor. With the DED and cost estimates in place, TPDC will be able to advance confidently into procurement process to acquire the EPC Contractor.

In 2022, TPDC undertook a comprehensive preliminary study and route survey for the Ntorya–Madimba Natural Gas Pipeline Project. The exercise assessed terrain and settlement patterns to identify an alignment that would guarantee safe operation and minimal disruption to surrounding communities and ecosystems.

Based on the study findings, TPDC secured the right of way through a transparent land acquisition process that included compensation to all affected landowners. The successful completion of the study and land acquisition established the foundation for subsequent project phases on accepted route corridor.