By Janeth Mesomapya

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Energy, Dr. Doto Biteko, has commended PURA for achieving an 85% participation of locals in the upstream petroleum activities in the country.

Dr. Biteko conveyed these congratulations on September 18, 2023, during his visit to the Authority’s offices in Dar es Salaam, with the aim of meeting and getting acquainted with its staff, marking his first visit since his appointment to the position.

These compliments were given after PURA's Director General, Engineer Charles Sangweni, informed Dr. Biteko during his welcome speech that one of PURA's achievements since its inception is the increased local participation from 50% when PURA was established to the current 85%.

Furthermore, Dr. Biteko urged PURA to continue collaborating and advising him on upstream petroleum matters to assist him in making informed decisions on various issues concerning the oil and gas sector.

He also advised the leaders of the Authority not to view the various challenges facing the institution negatively but to use them as opportunities to improve performance, increase efficiency, and contribute to the nation's development.

"I also call upon the leaders of the Authority; your subordinates rely on your decisions and guidance to perform their work effectively, so assist them in carrying out their duties," he emphasized.