THE Energy and Water Utilities Regulatory Authority (EWURA) has issued more than 370 licences for rural fuel stations, the initiative that will expand the network across the country
This was revealed on Thursday by EWURA senior official, Petroleum Engineer Sarah Mbwilo at the 47th Dar es Salaam International Trade Fair (DITF).
She said that since there is relief of investment rules for rural filling stations, many people have been attracted to invest in the sector.
“There has been a positive response and we expect that it will increase to a large extent because the conditions are very friendly and it seems the number continues to increase in the villages.
“For the rural filling stations, EWURA has reduced conditions and we asked to submit with them a summary of the village that allows the area to be used for the particular business,” she said.
Elaborating on the complaints about filling stations being close to residential areas, she said that the pumps set up must observe the 200-metre distance rule.
Eng Mbwilo said that before granting a license to a businessperson they look at the parameters, especially the safety of surrounding citizens and the environment of the area, including the distance between filling stations.
However, he called on businessmen to invest in rural areas as the government has given loans to invest there.
“The government through Rural Energy Agency (REA) gives loans to investors who invest in the villages, so any businessman who considers himself capable is welcomed,” said Ms Mbwilo.
