By Charles Mkoka
The construction of the Sam Nujoma Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) station in Dar es Salaam is progressing swiftly, with civil works set to be completed by the end of February. The station is expected to begin offering natural gas refueling services by early February.
This development is part of the government’s efforts to expand clean energy use in Dar es Salaam and beyond.
Dr. Biteko, during his visit to the station located on Sam Nujoma Road near the TCRA Building in Mawasiliano, Ubungo, expressed his satisfaction with the progress.
"The construction is moving very well. All necessary equipment has arrived, and most construction phases are complete. We are confident that civil works and ongoing activities will be finished within a week," he said.
Dr. Biteko confirmed that the station would begin operations by the first week of February, providing an important service to reduce congestion at gas refueling points in Dar es Salaam.
This move is part of a larger initiative to promote the adoption of natural gas energy, which has received strong public interest.
The government has set an ambitious goal to establish more than 15 CNG stations in Dar es Salaam and other regions, including mobile stations.
Seven private stations are currently under construction, with TPDC (Tanzania Petroleum Development Corporation) overseeing the management and construction process.
With an investment of TZS 18.9 billion in domestic funds, the Sam Nujoma CNG station is one of the three stations being developed in Dar es Salaam, alongside two other stations at Kairuki and Muhimbili. TPDC is also leading efforts to build additional private stations across the city and in other regions of the country.
Natural gas energy is a key part of Tanzania’s strategy to promote clean energy, with President Samia Suluhu Hassan championing these sustainable changes across Africa. Dr. Biteko highlighted that the use of CNG will help lower energy costs compared to traditional oil.
The University, which provided land for the CNG station, emphasized the safety measures being put in place to ensure a positive impact on the environment and the campus community.
The University Head noted that the station will offer significant opportunities for students in gas-related fields and contribute to youth employment across Tanzania.
"The station has huge benefits, and it will provide valuable learning opportunities for our students," the University Head added.
The Permanent Secretary of the Ministry also expressed optimism about the project's progress. "The expectations are high, and we are confident that the project will be a success. We are looking forward to the completion of more stations by the end of the financial year," he said.
Additional CNG stations are planned for areas such as Kibaha, Morogoro, and Dodoma, with mobile stations set to be deployed across the country.
Private companies like Puma Energy are leading the development of stations in various parts of Dar es Salaam, including Mbezi Beach, Mwenge, Tegeta, and Muhimbili.
The government is also in advanced discussions with DART (Dar Rapid Transit) to integrate natural gas into the city's bus system, marking another milestone in the transition to clean energy.
This development underscores Tanzania's commitment to expanding clean energy infrastructure, offering economic and environmental benefits for the country and its citizens.
