Likong’o Village in Lindi Region is set to experience a major boost in education and community development, thanks to a modern pre-primary and primary school being constructed under the Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) project.
The school, funded and implemented by the Tanzania Petroleum Development Corporation (TPDC), will accommodate 400 pupils, significantly reducing the long distances children previously walked to access education. It also provides a safe and inclusive learning environment close to home.
During an inspection visit on 20 December 2025, the Prime Minister of the United Republic of Tanzania, Dr. Mwigulu Nchemba, emphasized that the project reflects the Government’s commitment to ensuring citizens directly benefit from national investments.
“This school belongs to the people of Likong’o. It demonstrates that development projects must first improve the lives of citizens, especially children,” the Prime Minister said.
The facility has been designed to meet modern education standards, including spaces for children with special needs, secure areas for girls, and classrooms that support early childhood development, laying a strong foundation for future learning opportunities.
In addition to educational facilities, the school will feature clean cooking energy infrastructure, aligning with the national Clean Cooking Energy Agenda championed by President Dr. Samia Suluhu Hassan.
This initiative aims to safeguard the health of students and staff, minimize environmental impact, and reduce the burden on women, who traditionally handle cooking duties.
Residents of Likong’o have welcomed the project, seeing it as a sign of fairness and recognition for communities that contributed land for the LNG project.
Deputy Minister for Energy, Salome Makamba, said the school is part of the Government’s effort to ensure host communities enjoy lasting social benefits.
“With the school now 70 percent complete, citizens can see tangible results. Development is not only about gas and revenue it is about people, dignity, and the future of our children,” she said, adding that clean cooking energy infrastructure will soon reach 52 public institutions across the country.
The Member of Parliament for Lindi, Mohamed Utaly, highlighted that the LNG project is already transforming local lives by supporting education, creating jobs, and stimulating economic activity.
According to TPDC Project Supervising Engineer Ms. Upendo Mahavanu, the school is being constructed at a cost of TZS 1.27 billion and will include nine classrooms, teachers’ houses, and administrative offices, ensuring a supportive environment for both teaching and learning.
For the people of Likong’o, the new school stands as a clear symbol that national development can be inclusive, ensuring that citizens are not left behind but move forward together toward a brighter future.