DAR ES SALAAM: THE government has announced its ambitious plan to increase access to Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) stations including introduction of mobile CNG stations in Morogoro and Dodoma regions.
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Energy, Dr Doto Biteko said yesterday in Dar es Salaam that the government plans to increase the number of Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) stations to 15 by the end of this year.
He said the initiative aims at reducing the cost of fuel consumption and promote the use of clean energy. Dr Biteko was speaking after visiting the construction site of the CNG Mother Station at Mlimani City in Dar es Salaam to assess its progress which is moving steadily toward completion.
The project, spearheaded by the Tanzania Petroleum Development Corporation (TPDC), is expected to be a major step forward in the country’s efforts to harness natural gas as an alternative to conventional fuels.
“The government is also planning to introduce mobile CNG stations in two regions with two stations in Dodoma and one in Morogoro. This will make it easier to distribute natural gas to areas that have not yet been connected to the main network.
“We understand that regions are not yet fully connected to the CNG network, which is why mobile stations are an important part of our plan. By bringing CNG to more areas, we will help reduce fuel costs for bus operators, truck drivers and other commuters who rely on affordable transport options,” Dr Biteko added.
Furthermore, Dr Biteko praised TPDC for supervising the project which is expected to be completed next week. He said they expect that by February 3 this year cars will begin refuelling gas at the gas station.
‘I am pleased to see this project that is funded by TPDC at a cost of 18.9 bn/- has built capacity among locals while the contractor is a foreigner but 100 per cent of the workers being Tanzanian youth,’ said Dr Biteko.
He added that the funding will also cover the construction of two stations being built at Muhimbili and Kairuki in Kibaha. He said the implementation of the project aligns with the CCM Election Manifesto which aims to increase the use of clean energy and create jobs for young people.
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However, he said that President Samia Suluhu Hassan has directed the construction of more stations in Dar es Salaam which is the largest consumer of gas.
He noted: “We want to encourage citizens to shift from using dirty energy to clean energy as part of efforts to support our president who is a champion of clean energy in Africa.
Dr Biteko said the response of Tanzanians to use the clean energy has been overwhelming and therefore, the completion of the stations will help reduce traffic congestion.
University of Dar es Salaam (UDSM) Vice Chancellor, Prof William Anangisye said the project is important for their institution because it will be used by students for learning, including providing job opportunities for Tanzanian youth.
Once the project is completed the section for converting the petrol system to gas will be managed by UDSM.
TPDC and UDSM signed a land lease contract for 5,600 square metres
