EWURA’s role in enhancing peace stressed

TANGA: DEPUTY Prime Minister and Minister for Energy, Dr Doto Biteko has highlighted the crucial role of the Energy and Water Utilities Regulatory Authority (EWURA) in maintaining peace and stability in the country.

Speaking at the opening of the fourth meeting of the EWURA Workers’ Council in Tanga on Monday, Dr Biteko said the credibility of a government and the respect it earns from its citizens depend largely on the quality, reliability and affordability of essential services such as electricity and fuel.

He commended EWURA for being one of the most efficient institutions in the country and expressed satisfaction with the authority’s progress in implementing directives from the previous council meeting, particularly in reducing bureaucracy surrounding investment permits and licences.

“I’m pleased to learn that EWURA has successfully reduced bureaucracy and lowered licensing fees for investors in energy services,” Dr Biteko said.

“As a result, we’ve seen a surge in investment applications. Currently, there are 50 applications and we are constructing 15 CNG stations. We are also in the process of acquiring tankers to transport CNG to various regions.” Dr Biteko urged EWURA to continue fostering a favourable investment climate to attract more private sector participation in the energy industry.

He also underscored the importance of supporting President Samia Suluhu Hassan’s commitment to expanding electricity access across Africa and promoting clean cooking energy.

“President Dr Samia has gained global recognition for championing clean cooking energy and advocating for electricity access for 300 million people across Africa. We must align with her vision and contribute to these efforts,” he stated.

He further underscored the role of workers’ councils in cultivating a sense of ownership among employees while boosting accountability and efficiency in government institutions.

“Use the council as a platform for all workers to discuss institutional targets and strategies to achieve them,” Dr Biteko urged.

The Deputy Prime Minister also stressed the importance of respecting workers’ rights, offering appropriate benefits and investing in continuous training both locally and internationally.

“It’s essential to expose our staff to global best practices by sending them to countries with advanced energy sectors,” he said.

Earlier, EWURA Director General Dr James Andilile outlined recent efforts to encourage the establishment of fuel stations in rural areas.

In line with the Deputy Prime Minister’s directives, EWURA has introduced a set of cost-cutting measures and simplified regulatory requirements for investors.

According to Dr Andilile, these new guidelines provide a more affordable framework for investors, including significantly reduced fees.

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Construction permits fees have dropped from 500,000/- to 50,000/- and licence fees have been reduced from 1m/- to 100,000/-.

Furthermore, Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) requirements have been simplified. Instead of obtaining an EIA certificate from the National Environmental Management Council (NEMC), investors can now submit a letter from the district executive director confirming the suitability of the location.

Dr Andilile also noted that title deed requirements have been relaxed for rural areas. Instead of a formal land title, investors can now submit a village meeting resolution proving community approval for fuel station construction.

The government, through the Rural Energy Agency (REA), has introduced lowinterest loans to support rural residents in building fuel stations.

As a result of these initiatives, the number of rural fuel stations has increased from 279 in 2020/21 to 515 by December 2024.

Dr Andilile also noted EWURA’s efforts in addressing consumer complaints. Between October and December 2024, the regulator resolved 12 out of 16 disputes within the 60-day timeframe set by the Customer Service Charter and 22 out of 23 arbitration cases within the 30-day deadline.

Regarding the promotion of Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) investments, Dr Andilile stated that EWURA continues to provide enabling regulatory conditions and timely approvals.

In the 2022/23 period, EWURA granted construction approvals for two CNG stations. He affirmed the authority’s commitment to fast-tracking licensing processes and ensuring a conducive environment for the expansion of fuel and CNG stations across Tanzania.