The Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Energy, Dr. Doto Biteko has expressed government's will to continue attracting investors in oil and gas exploration to benefit Tanzanians.
Dr. Biteko spoke on September 10, 2024, during the handover of the gas development license between the Tanzania Petroleum Development Corporation (TPDC) and ARA Petroleum at the Ruvuma Ntorya field in Mtwara.
“All these achievements are the result of the outstanding work of President Dr. Samia Suluhu Hassan,” Dr. Biteko said.
He added that the government is working to empower TPDC to participate fully in the oil and gas industry. Dr. Biteko called on TPDC and ARA Petroleum to prioritize local employment.
“We need to ensure that local people benefit from these projects,” he said.
Dr. Biteko also urged the Rural Energy Agency (REA) to complete electrification in gas project areas like Madimba, Msimbati, and Songosongo by December this year.
The Vice-Chairperson of the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Energy and Minerals, Mr. Kirumbe Ng'enda, said the license for the Ruvuma gas block is a significant step for the country.
“This block will produce 1.6 trillion cubic feet of gas. It is a great achievement, and we applaud President Samia for her leadership,” Mr. Ng'enda said.
Ng'enda also mentioned the Julius Nyerere Hydropower Project, which currently adds about 705 megawatts to the national grid.
He urged the government to use the gas for clean cooking energy, machinery, and vehicles.
Earlier, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Energy, Mr. Felchesmi Mramba, said Tanzania has a long history of using natural gas, starting in the 1970s with the Songosongo discovery.
“The discovery of natural gas has opened sustainable opportunities for environmental conservation and energy security,” Mr. Mramba said.