Residents of Songo Songo Ward in Kilwa District, Lindi Region are reaping the benefits of the proper implementation of the Petroleum Act No. 21 of 2015 and its regulations.
A recent visit by officials from the Petroleum Upstream Regulatory Authority (PURA) at the Songosongo Ward revealed how the gas companies that operate in the area are actively contributing to the development of key sectors such as education, health, and water through their corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives.
Notably, PanAfrican Energy Tanzania and the Tanzania Petroleum Development Corporation (TPDC) are spearheading projects aimed at improving the quality of life in the community.
PanAfrican Energy Tanzania’s Community Development Officer, Ms Tula David, told reporters that the gas company operating in Songosongo has handed over a newly constructed health centre worth 900m/- to the government, ready to provide health services to the residents.
The Petroleum Act mandates gas license holders and contractors to annually devise credible CSR plans in collaboration with local government authorities, focusing on environmental, social, economic, and cultural activities aligned with the priorities of the host community.
Tanzania aims at boosting the production of natural gas and build pipelines to export it to neighboring countries including Uganda, Zambia, Kenya and the Democratic Republic of the Congo in a bid to accelerate economic growth.
So far,the country has total recoverable natural gas reserves of 57.54 Tcf .