TPDC raises public awareness about gas infrastructure

THE Tanzania Petroleum Development Corporation (TPDC) has conducted public awareness in villages and streets which have been affected by natural gas infrastructure in Lindi Region.

Speaking in one of the education sessions with residents of South Somanga Kilwa in Lindi region, TPDC Community Development Officer, Mr Oscar Mwakasege said that involvement of citizens was crucial in order to ensure safety of the natural gas pipeline.

Citizens should be involved at all levels, especially in obtaining

information, education, and implementation of social projects as well as participation in protecting the infrastructure.

“This awareness session is part of strengthening the good relations between TPDC and its stakeholders, building the capacity of citizens to recognize the opportunities arising from the investment and strengthening the protection of the infrastructure,” said Mwakasege.

He further said that, education about the project has been provided through public meetings in the villages which had been affected by the natural gas pipeline project especially on the safety and opportunities associated with the projects.

Mr Mwakasege said that the natural gas pipeline project was of great benefit to the community and the nation in general where to date 70 per cent   of electricity produced in the country is from natural gas.

He said the reliable power supply has helped to promote the growth of various sectors, including industries whereby todate about 53 industries in the country use natural gas.

Mr Mwakasege added that the natural gas was also being used in vehicles whereby more than 1,500 cars are currently using natural gas while the resource is also used as source of cooking energy in areas where they have been connected to the services in Dar es Salaam, Mtwara and Lindi regions.

Likewise, Mr Mwakasege said that every council which has been affected by the natural gas pipeline project receives money as royalty from selling the natural gas.

Moreover, Mr Mwakasege said since the country started using natural gas it has saved almost 40tri/- which could be spent in oil.

For his part, TPDC Acting Head of the Security Unit, Mr Fredy Mfikwa said that the natural gas pipeline project had affected139 villages and streets from Msimbati in Mtwara to Dar esSalaam.

He said that TPDC cooperates well with the villages/streets inprotecting the infrastructure including providing money forcleaning the areas where the gas pipeline passes.

Mr Mfikwa urged them to continue maintaining the natural gas pipeline infrastructure by stopping dangerous human activities at the area.

“Human activities in the natural gas pipeline such as diggings and, cultivation of short and long-term crops, burning grass, passing of large herds of livestock and construction activities are not allowed, so I urge the leadership of the villages and citizens to continue maintaining the infrastructure,” he said.

Besides providing education to the community, TPDC also handed over 85 chairs and tables to the Secondary School located in Tingi Ward, Kilwa District as part of Corporate Social Responsibility.

Expressing their gratitude, some students, teachers and ward leaders commanded TPDC for providing them with the furniture saying they will help students to learn more efficiently.