Mnazi Bay drilling project delivers 320 jobs, 20bn/- in local contracts

MTWARA: More than 320 Tanzanians have secured jobs and local companies have won contracts worth over 20 billion/- as the ongoing three-well natural gas drilling project at the Mnazi Bay Block continues to generate economic benefits for citizens and the nation.

The remarks were made by Engineer Fabian Mwose of the Petroleum Upstream Regulatory Authority (PURA) following a visit by officials from the authority to inspect the project’s progress.

Engineer Mwose said the project, which involves the drilling of two production wells and one exploration well, began on February 6, 2026. By June 5, 2026, drilling of the two production wells, MB5 and MS2, had been completed, while drilling of the third well, KASA-1X, was still underway.

He said the project has also boosted natural gas production from the Mnazi Bay Block, with the MB5 well increasing output by an average of 40 million cubic feet per day. The MS2 well, which is currently undergoing testing, is expected to add further production capacity.

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“The increase in natural gas production has made more gas available for electricity generation, industrial use, transportation, including vehicles and three-wheelers, as well as household consumption,” he said.

According to Mwose, the project’s economic impact extends beyond energy production, as local suppliers have benefited from the provision of goods and services required during implementation.

On the investment front, he said the project, alongside other ongoing oil and gas exploration activities, has strengthened investor confidence in Tanzania’s petroleum sector and demonstrated the continued viability of the country’s oil and natural gas industry.

Mwose added that upon completion of the three-well programme, the total number of oil and gas wells drilled in Tanzania since exploration activities began will rise to 99 from the current 96.