By Ebeneza Mollel

The Petroleum Upstream Regulatory Authority (PURA) has expressed its readiness and commitment to oversee the upcoming liquefied natural gas (LNG) project and ensure the project is productive and contributes to the country's economic development.

This was stated by Geologist Fortunatus Kidayi while briefing the Lindi Regional Commissioner, Hon. Zainab R. Telack who visited the PURA pavilion at the Fifth Exhibition of Funds and Economic Empowerment Programs taking place in Morogoro region.

He explained that one of the responsibilities of PURA in accordance with the Petroleum Act of 2015 is to oversee the LNG project. This project aims to harvest natural gas discovered in the deep sea in Tanzania for domestic use and exports.

"This project is worth around USD 30 billion and is expected to be implemented in Likong'o area in Lindi region and PURA has continued to strengthen itself practically including continuing to build the capacity of its staff in the LNG area" said Mr. Kidayi.

He added that PURA is committed to ensuring that Tanzanians get the opportunity to participate in the LNG project through employment and service delivery throughout its implementation.

“In achieving this, PURA in collaboration with EWURA has developed a Common Qualification System (CQS) which will contain database of Tanzanian service providers and professionals, including those who studied oil and gas courses and that the system is already working,” he noted.

He added that “the LNG project is expected to bring many opportunities in the country including more than 6,000 jobs and including opportunities to sell goods and services during the implementation of the project. He further explained that the government has provided 5.7 billion shillings to compensate more than 640 citizens who will be affected by the project. In addition, negotiations between the Government and the companies that will implement the LNG project are ongoing and are expected to be completed soon."

For her part, Hon. Telack commended PURA for overseeing the issue of Tanzanians' participation in the petroleum upstream activities, saying that Lindi citizens are eagerly awaiting the start of the project and that she is confident they will be given priority during its implementation.