A recent benchmarking tour of the Katosi Drinking Water Treatment Plant (DWTP) has provided Sinopec International Petroleum Service Co. (Uganda) Limited with crucial insights for their upcoming Lake Water Abstraction (LWA) project in Buliisa, located along Lake Albert. The Katosi DWTP, renowned for its environmentally conscious design, was the ultimate reference point for SINOPEC as they prepare to undertake this significant initiative.
The delegation from Sinopec, which included Deputy Manager, Qi Ruian, Interface Manager, Dai Min, and Senior Public Relations Officer, Ruyonga Solomon, focused on various technical aspects of the Katosi facility. Their visit was particularly aimed at understanding the intricacies of the intake area, such as pipe depth and pump locations, key components that would influence the design and operation of their LWA project. The team’s attention was drawn to the offshore pumps at Katosi, which are designed to minimize noise emissions, a critical factor given the environmental sensitivity of the Albertine region.
Sinopec International Petroleum Service Co. Uganda, a Tier 1 contractor for Total Energies, is instrumental in three major oil and gas projects in the region: the Tilenga project, the Kingfisher project in Kikuube District (led by CNOOC), and the East African Crude Oil Pipeline (EACOP). Their current focus involves providing construction services for onshore facilities related to the production, storage, and export of heavy and waxy crude oil.
During their evaluation of the Katosi plant, the Sinopec team identified the plant’s offshore pumps as an ideal solution for their LWA project. Unlike submerged pumps, which are commonly used in other water abstraction points, the offshore pumps at Katosi offer practical advantages in terms of maintenance and operation. The minimal noise generated by these pumps aligns with the stringent environmental standards set by the National Environment Management Authority (NEMA) for the Tilenga project, making them particularly suitable for use in the Albertine region.
The insights gained from this visit will directly influence the design and operation of Sinopec’s LWA project, ensuring that it adheres to both operational efficiency and environmental stewardship. With a focus solely on extracting raw water without engaging in storage or treatment, Sinopec aims to incorporate the environmentally friendly practices observed at Katosi to meet the ecological demands of the Lake Albert project.
