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| Acting Managing Director of Oryx Gas Tanzania, Ashelly Mbasha says the project will cost over Sh 300 million. Photo: Courtesy |
By Charles Mkoka
Oryx Gas Tanzania has announced plans to invest over Sh 300 million in constructing a large gas storage tank for cooking energy at the Feri International Fish Market in Dar es Salaam. The project is part of efforts to promote clean cooking energy in the country.
Speaking on September 14, 2024, in Dar es Salaam during the introduction of the modern gas storage tank project, Ilala legislator Mussa Zungu noted that fish vendors, especially those frying fish, have been incurring losses by purchasing gas cylinders, with only 45% of the gas being usable due to freezing issues.
“To solve this problem, we have decided to implement a bulk gas storage system where each vendor will have their meter, allowing for more efficient and affordable gas usage,” Zungu explained. “This initiative also aligns with President Dr. Samia Suluhu Hassan’s efforts to protect the environment. Smoke from firewood and charcoal damages our environment, and we are proud to support the President and our partners in this mission.”
Zungu expressed gratitude to Oryx Gas Tanzania for collaborating with the Dar es Salaam City Council to help fish vendors access clean, safe energy at a reasonable cost.
He further clarified that legal procedures have been 90% completed, noting that their actions follow the President’s directive to ensure that Tanzanians can conduct their businesses at minimal costs.
“All Ilala Municipality leaders have worked tirelessly to ensure the gas storage tank construction process progresses smoothly, and they have secured the necessary land for the project. This initiative benefits not just vendors but also the environment and the nation at large,” Zungu added.
Acting Managing Director of Oryx Gas Tanzania, Ashelly Mbasha, explained that the project will cost over Sh 300 million to complete, and they plan to begin as soon as possible.
“We urge the community to help protect the infrastructure once the project starts, as gas requires a high level of safety. It is essential to safeguard the infrastructure for the benefit of all vendors.”
Mbasha also emphasized Oryx’s continued collaboration with the government, commending the innovation brought forward by Ilala MP Mussa Zungu, who has partnered with Ilala Municipality to ensure the market remains clean and secure.
“We continue to commend President Dr. Samia Suluhu Hassan for her goal to ensure that by 2034, 80% of Tanzanians will use clean energy. We encourage other stakeholders, including private companies and institutions, to join us in advancing the President’s agenda.”
Mbasha also noted that preliminary agreements have already been reached, and the project is now in its final stages before implementation. He urged vendors and stakeholders to cooperate to ensure the project’s timely completion.
Dar es Salaam Mayor Omary Kumbilamoto praised Deputy Speaker and Ilala MP Mussa Zungu for his efforts in supporting President Samia. He explained that the initiatives being implemented at the Feri fish market directly result from the President’s directive to transition from wood and charcoal to gas.
“I urge the vendors to embrace these changes, as we understand that change comes with challenges. However, I am confident that they will accept these changes soon. I also want to thank Oryx for their contribution of over Sh 300 million,” Kumbilamoto said.
He further commended Dar es Salaam City Director Elihuruma Mabelya, noting that the agreement for constructing the large Oryx gas storage tank was signed just three days ago. Kumbilamoto emphasized that all necessary permits have been finalized, and the project is set to begin.
Kumbilamoto also encouraged the vendors to collaborate with Oryx, stressing that the project serves the broader interests of Dar es Salaam and aligns with President Dr. Samia’s campaign to promote clean energy. He pointed out that President Samia is now recognized globally as a champion of environmental conservation, and it is their responsibility to support her efforts.
In conclusion, Kumbilamoto reiterated that the transition to gas in the city remains a top priority, and he called for continued cooperation to ensure the project's success.