Swedish envoy promotes use of CNG

DAR ES SALAAM: TANZANIA can massively cut down foreign exchange spending and create more jobs for locals, if stakeholders make use of the already invested Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) infrastructures.

This was revealed on Monday when Swedish Ambassador to Tanzania, Charlotta-Ozaki Macias launched a ground-breaking clean transport tour from Dar es Salaam to the capital of Dodoma.

Speaking at the event, which saw the Swedish Embassy in Tanzania joining forces with Scania to promote clean transport in the country, the diplomat said Tanzania has already made investment in the sector, so it was the matter of making use of the infrastructure.

“CNG is a local fuel, creating local jobs. Today, one of Tanzania’s largest imports is diesel. By running on local fuel, Tanzania can reduce foreign exchange, create local jobs and revenue streams,” she said.

Explaining about the Dar es Salaam-Dodoma tour, the Ambassador said the trip started yesterday to Thursday. The initiative seeks to catalyse the transition to sustainable and eco-friendly transport systems in Tanzania while also celebrating 60 years of impactful development cooperation between Sweden and Tanzania.

“Sweden has long been a global advocate for environmentally friendly and sustainable transport solutions and this tour aims to draw attention to the imperative need for a cleaner, greener transportation future in Tanzania,” she said.

On diplomatic ties between Tanzania and Sweden, the envoy said the two countries have successful partnership, whose impacts have been well manifested in various sectors.

“Tanzania and Sweden have close partnership, worked in almost all sectors of society during the last 60 years. There are many results to be proud of, some lessons learned and a bright future to look forward to. These partnerships provide a solid platform for our relations in the coming years,” Ambassador Macias said.

On his part, Scania Managing Director, Mr Ali Dar said the company’s gas-powered trucks conform to the cleanest emission norm available and operate on optionally Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) or biogas.

“This Scania gas truck was officially launched in Tanzania 2021. It is a well-proven technology that reduces exhaust emissions and noise levels.

“Globally one out of eight deaths are caused by poor air quality, where emissions from transport are a large contributor. In Dar es Salaam, we have a growing population that has doubled in 15 years, and more of us need means of transport,” the Scania boss said.

Since 1963, the Embassy of Sweden has been working with the government of Tanzania to support the country’s reform process, reducing poverty and promoting development towards democracy and respect for human rights.

The Embassy is working together with the Swedish business community in Tanzania to increase trade and investment flows between our countries.

In January 2020, the Swedish government approved the strategy for Swedish development cooperation with Tanzania covering the period of 2020-2024.

The strategy focuses on four areas varying from Human rights, democracy and the rule of law and gender equality.

Others are education, inclusive economic development and environment and climate.