Tanzania orders energy sector projects to benefit communities around them

MTWARA: THE Energy Minister, Deogratius Ndejembi, has urged project managers under his Ministry and its institutions to ensure that Community Social Responsibility (CSR) projects are fully implemented.

He emphasized that it is important for communities surrounding these projects to benefit from the developments and for the various challenges affecting residents to be addressed.

While in the Mtwara region, Dr Ndejembi stated that community support projects should not be limited to what is specified in project contracts. Experts should also focus on supporting social activities based on the real needs of the communities. He explained that assistance could include repairing classrooms through painting, laying tiles, and fixing damaged infrastructure, such as water pumps.

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Additionally, Minister Ndejembi expressed his enthusiasm for seeing communities near project areas benefit from various opportunities. He stressed that residents must gain tangible benefits, not only economically but also educationally and socially, so that these projects have a positive impact on their daily lives.

For example, he highlighted educational opportunities, noting that the Tanzania Petroleum Development Corporation (TPDC) is training students in Mtwara on oil and gas matters. The goal is to prepare them as future professionals in the sector, ensuring that CSR projects serve as a catalyst for sustainable development for communities surrounding energy projects.