AT least 1,400 vehicles countrywide have converted to using compressed natural gas (CNG) system, the Tanzania Petroleum Development Corporation (TPDC) has said.
This was said recently by the TPDC Head of Public Relation and Communication Unit Maria Msellemu at the secondary school based race, meant to create public awareness on natural gas projects implemented in Mtwara and Lindi regions.
The five-kilometre race was staged in Mtwara last week involving students from secondary schools in the region.
TPDC Head of Public Relation and Communication Unit Maria Msellemu said the event also helped promote physical activities among students.
“The main aim for this race is create public awareness on gas projects being implemented by TPDC in Mtwara and Lindi regions, as we help promote physical activities for the students,” she said.
She mentioned some of the projects as the envisaged Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) plant in Lindi, construction of a 35- km long gas pipeline from Ntorya to Madimba Gas Processing Plant and gas distribution projects implemented in Mtwara and Lindi regions.
The government is also planning to build a compressed natural gas (CNG) filling station in Mtwara Region to serve vehicle running on gas system.
The TPDC official also said that over 1,400 vehicles countrywide have converted to using CNG system, as the government establishes five more CNG filling stations in Dar es Salaam City. The plants are set to be completed by March 2023.
She said the marathon programme also to be conducted in Lindi Region will help students to be aware of the projects currently being implemented in the region, including knowing exactly how and where they are being executed.
Ms Msellemu said TPDC has also established oil and gas clubs in secondary schools of Mtwara and Lindi regions for the major objective of providing sustained education and awareness on natural gas issues in the regions.
“So far, we have 17 oil and gas student clubs in secondary schools of Mtwara established by TPDC to promote awareness among students on matters related to oil and gas,” she said.
Mtwara District Commissioner (DC) Dunstan Kyobya commended TPDC for coming up with the idea, saying the government is committed to ensure the programme is sustainable to promote public awareness on the importance of natural gas which is mostly extracted and processed in Mtwara Region.
Mr Kyobya said his office in collaboration with TPDC and other stakeholders will organise and ensure the events are conducted every month.
