TPDC supports community role in protecting gas pipeline infrastructure

RUFIJI: THE protection of natural gas infrastructure continues to play a vital role in supporting Tanzania’s industrial growth, energy security, and national development.

As the country expands the use of cleaner energy sources, the safety of the natural gas pipeline system has become a shared responsibility between technical institutions and communities living along its route.

The Tanzania Petroleum Development Corporation (TPDC) has intensified its public awareness programmes aimed at empowering citizens to take an active role in safeguarding the natural gas pipeline that passes through parts of the Pwani Region, including Rufiji, Kibiti, and Mkuranga districts.

Speaking during one of the awareness sessions, TPDC Community Development Officer, Ashura Hoja said that through these outreach activities, TPDC is engaging local residents with practical knowledge on how the pipeline operates, why it is important to the national economy, and how communities can detect and report any activities that may threaten its safety.

“The initiative is part of broader efforts to strengthen community participation in protecting strategic national assets.

She emphasized that although the pipeline is supported by technical monitoring systems, community vigilance remains the first and most effective line of protection.

“Activities such as illegal excavation, farming encroachment, or vandalism near the pipeline corridor can pose serious risks if not identified and reported early.

She said protecting the pipeline is a national duty that requires every citizen’s involvement.

She called on residents to remain alert and report any unusual or suspicious activities near the pipeline. “The natural gas pipeline is a national asset. Every citizen has a responsibility to protect it and to report immediately if they notice any unusual activity near it,” she said.

TPDC has also commended communities in the affected areas for their growing cooperation and willingness to support protection efforts.

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The corporation noted that continued education and engagement have improved public understanding of the pipeline’s importance, leading to stronger community ownership.

At the same time, she said TPDC has urged residents to maintain high levels of vigilance, warning that any damage to the pipeline could disrupt gas supply, affect power generation, and slow down key economic activities that depend on reliable energy.

“In Kibiti District, residents have welcomed the ongoing education campaigns, saying they have changed the way communities view the pipeline from a distant infrastructure project to a valuable national asset that directly supports their livelihoods and the country’s development.

A resident from Jaribu Mpakani village, Kassimu Iddi, said the awareness programme has helped communities understand their responsibility in protecting the infrastructure.

“Now we understand that protecting the gas pipeline is protecting our lives and our country’s development. We have decided to take the lead in safeguarding it,” he said.

TPDC continues to call on all communities living along the natural gas pipeline corridor to actively participate in its protection.

The corporation stresses that safeguarding the infrastructure is a shared national responsibility that ensures continuous energy supply and supports sustainable development for both current and future generations.