Oil, gas policy ready next year - minister

BY GADIOSA LAMTEY

22nd October 2014

Deputy Minister for Energy and Minerals, Stephen Masele

Much awaited Local Content Policy, 2014 on oil and gas will be ready by June next year, the government has pledged.

 

The pledge was made by the Deputy Minister for Energy and Minerals, Stephen Masele when he officiated opening of the two-day 3rd Tanzania Oil/Gas Conference and Exhibitions (TOGaCE) yesterday in Dar es Salaam.The more than 500 attending stakeholders heard that preparations are in the final stages and that discussions on its draft held earlier this year, involved local and international stakeholders as well as members of the parliamentary committee on energy and minerals. 

 

According to the draft of the policy, oil, natural gas and minerals are national resources that belong to Tanzanian citizens which means they (citizens) must be engaged in the entire value chain in order to ensure the sector benefits the whole society, present and future generations.

 

Deputy Minister Masele took the opportunity to reassure stakeholders that the government recognizes the existence and contribution of the private sector in developing the oil and natural gas industry. 

 

“This policy will give room for Tanzanians’ participation,” Masele said noting that citizens will gain employment and investment opportunities.

 

He pointed out that Tanzanian companies face investment challenges in the new energy sector which requires large capital and high technology and as such, the government was forced to invite foreign companies which have the ability to meet the investment requirements.

 

Chairman of the Parliamentary Committee on Energy and Minerals, Victor Mwambalaswa said the forum provides an arena for Tanzanians to learn and share experiences in the gas and oil sectors.

 

Mwambalaswa pledged that his committee will go through the final draft of the policy to ensure it benefits citizens.

 

He also said that participation of MPs at the forum is crucial to broadening their knowledge and understanding of the energy sector.

Energy and Water Utility Regulatory Authority (EWURA) Director for Natural Gas, Eng Charles Omujuni was optimistic that Tanzania will in the next ten years, be in a position to lead the region in production of gas.

SOURCE: THE GUARDIAN