With only a few weeks before the commencement of the natural gas well drilling project in the Mnazi Bay Block in Mtwara Region, the Director General of the Petroleum Upstream Regulatory Authority (PURA), Eng. Charles Sangweni, has urged the drilling services contractor to prioritize the involvement of the Tanzanian workforce during the implementation of the project.

Eng. Sangweni made the call on January 9, 2026, during a meeting with the drilling service provider, China Petroleum Technology and Development Corporation (CPTDC). The meeting was also attended by Maurel et Prom Tanzania, the operator of the Mnazi Bay Block.

Speaking at the meeting, Eng. Sangweni stated that PURA, as the regulatory authority, continues to ensure compliance with all legal requirements governing the project, including provisions on local content through employment and the provision of required services by Tanzanians.

“While ensuring that the project’s objective of increasing natural gas production from the Mnazi Bay Block is achieved, it is equally important to ensure that Tanzanians are adequately involved in the drilling operations,” emphasized Eng. Sangweni.

Implementation of the drilling project in the Mnazi Bay Block is expected to commence towards the end of January 2026.

This project, which involves the drilling of three natural gas wells (two production wells and one exploration well), is expected to increase natural gas production from the Mnazi Bay Block by more than 30 million standard cubic feet per day.