The Seventh Workers' Council of the Ministry of Energy convened today, March 22, 2025, in Dodoma, with Deputy Permanent Secretary Dr. Khatibu Kazungu officiating the meeting.
The council reviewed and approved the Ministry’s draft budget for the 2025/2026 financial year and discussed various concerns raised by TUGHE, ensuring they were thoroughly addressed.
Speaking during the opening, Dr. Kazungu reaffirmed the Ministry’s commitment to executing various energy projects to guarantee a stable supply of electricity, fuel, and gas across the country.
“The Ministry of Energy will continue implementing strategic energy projects to ensure a sustainable and reliable supply of energy. We are committed to overseeing our affiliated institutions and subsidiaries to strengthen the sector,” he said.
He further emphasized the government’s efforts in electricity generation, transmission, and distribution, including the expansion of the national grid to the remaining regions of Rukwa, Kagera, Lindi, and Mtwara.
Dr. Kazungu also highlighted the implementation of the National Energy Plan for 2025/2026, which aims to improve electricity accessibility, promote renewable energy sources, encourage private sector participation, and support economic and social development.
“Our goal is to increase access to electricity, integrate renewable energy into power production, and create opportunities for private investment in the energy sector,” he stated.
He also noted the Ministry's commitment to expanding the national grid, maintaining and upgrading power generation plants, and improving transmission and distribution networks in rural areas, mining zones, industries, and healthcare facilities.
Regarding the oil and gas sector, Dr. Kazungu assured that the Ministry remains dedicated to ensuring a steady supply of petroleum products.
“We will continue strengthening fuel distribution networks by constructing more fuel stations nationwide,” he said.
He also mentioned key strategic projects, including Mnazi Bay North, the Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) processing project in Lindi, and the East African Crude Oil Pipeline (EACOP) from Hoima, Uganda, to Chongoleani, Tanga.
On clean cooking energy, he emphasized that the Ministry is committed to promoting the use of sustainable energy solutions.
“We are implementing the national clean cooking energy strategy for 2025/2026 and aligning it with the National Energy Plan for 2030. Private sector involvement will be key in ensuring the availability of raw materials and infrastructure for clean cooking energy,” he said.
Meanwhile, the Chairperson of the Workers' Council, Ms. Zuena Msuya, stressed the importance of ensuring workers’ rights and benefits to enhance efficiency and productivity.
“For the Ministry to achieve its goals, we must prioritize the welfare of employees. A motivated workforce is essential for the success of our initiatives,” she said.
The Seventh Workers’ Council reaffirmed the Ministry’s dedication to energy sector advancements while addressing key concerns affecting its workforce.