PURA Board of Directors visited the Songo Songo gas-producing field to acquaint themselves with the current status of natural gas production and processing facilities; and the implementation of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) Projects by oil and gas exploration and production companies operating therein..

Board members who took part in such visit including Board Chair Mr. Halfani Halfani, visited gas production and processing facilities operated by PanAfrican Energy Tanzania Ltd (PAET), a gas processing plant operated by GASCO, the subsidiary company of the Tanzania Petroleum Development Corporation (TPDC) and various CSR projects.

Speaking during the visit, Mr. Halfani explained that, unlike in the past, there is now an increased effort by TPDC and PAET in the implementation of the CSR projects. In this regard, Mr. Halfani thanked the Government for emphasizing the implementation of CSR and developing CSR guidelines as per the Petroleum Act, 2015.

“I am among those who used to come to Songo Songo back in the day. I must admit significant strides have been made in the area of CSR. We are pleased that the companies have now constructed schools (kindergarten, primary, and secondary), girls’ dormitories, and a health center – to mention a few. They have also been offering scholarships for students from Songo Songo to further their education, a program that has contributed to the empowerment of the local community” stated Mr. Halfani.

On his part, the Director General of PURA Eng. Charles Sangweni said the visit aimed to enhance Board Members’ understanding of the current status quo at Songo Songo.

“One of our responsibilities as PURA is to monitor and regulate the exploration and production of petroleum in the country. To enhance the Board’s understanding of issues we usually organize visits to fields where operations are undertaken. These visits are chiefly importance for they keep Board members abreast of what is going on on the ground” added Eng. Sangweni.

Eng. Hamdun Mansur, a member of the PURA Board of Directors said the visit has updated them with a lot of key issues regarding gas production and processing. He also asked PURA to continue regulating those activities effectively.