980 HOUSEHOLDS CONNECTED TO NATURAL GAS NETWORK

- The government through TPDC has allocated 5.3 billion shillings for this project.

-Natural gas is environmentally friendly, cheap and safe

- Citizens of Mnazi Mmoja Ward, Lindi have been educated to receive the project.

The Tanzania Petroleum Development Corporation (TPDC) has continued to implement the National Clean Cooking Energy Strategy by commencing the implementation of a natural gas distribution project in homes in Mnazi Mmoja and Mingoyo Wards in Lindi Region.

This was stated by the Natural Gas Distribution Project Manager for Homes, Mr. Tumaini Daniel, at a public meeting with residents of Muungano neighborhood, Mnazi Mmoja ward, Lindi region.

Mha. Tumaini explained that "the government through TPDC has continued to allocate funds for the distribution of natural gas to homes, where for the 2024/25 financial year, an amount of 5.3 billion shillings has been allocated for the distribution of natural gas in the Lindi (Mnazi Mmoja) and Pwani (Mkuranga) regions."

Furthermore, in terms of the project implementation stage, Mha. Tumaini has noted that so far the implementation of the project has reached 38.18 percent and the project is expected to be completed in June, 2025.

''This project is part of the implementation of the National Clean Cooking Energy Strategy (2024-2034) and involves the construction of a natural gas distribution network for 980 homes (529 homes in Mkuranga - Coast and 451 homes in Mnazi Mmoja - Lindi).

The pipeline network will be 47.86 kilometers long, 22.9 kilometers in Lindi region and 24.96 in Pwani region''. Regarding the reduction in the cost of natural gas for cooking, Mha. Tumaini called on citizens to use this gas appropriately once the project is completed as natural gas energy is cheap, environmentally friendly, saves time and is available at all times, so with these benefits, the government does not expect to see citizens continue to use firewood and charcoal which contribute to environmental damage and air pollution.

Speaking to the citizens of Nazi Omoga, Community Development Officer Mr. Oscar Mwakasege explained that, in addition to the implementation of various projects, TPDC will continue to involve citizens in the implementation of its activities through various educational platforms such as public meetings, media, conferences, workshops and sports.

"Since the start of the natural gas distribution project in Mnazi Momwo County, TPDC has been engaging citizens through public meetings, media education and door-to-door education to build awareness of the project among citizens, including strengthening the protection and security of infrastructure as well as identifying opportunities associated with the project such as employment. The education exercise is continuous and citizens are involved in every step of the project," explained Oscar.

Citizens of Rahaleo A and Rahaleo B Streets, Mingoyo Ward, Lindi Municipality, being educated on the ongoing project to distribute natural gas for cooking in homes.

For his part, the Ward Councilor of Mnazi Ward, Hon. Said Mohammed Mchinjita thanked TPDC for continuing to supply natural gas to Mnazi as well as being responsible for development activities including providing funds for the construction of a government office in Ruaha Street-Mnazi Ward.

In addition, the Councilor urged citizens to continue to cooperate with experts as well as strengthen the protection and security of contractors' property and equipment so that this project can be completed on time.

In addition, citizens have continued to commend TPDC for stimulating the labor market, where through its projects, citizens have benefited from employment opportunities that have provided them with an income to support their livelihoods.

Ms. Hawa Fumau Dadi, a resident of Mnazi Street who is a beneficiary of employment in the domestic gas project, thanked TPDC for implementing this project as it has provided short-term employment opportunities that help citizens earn money to meet their daily needs.

"I am grateful for getting a job in this TPDC project in Muungano Mnazi, we are grateful that we have found a job that allows us to earn money to run our daily lives, so the citizens should not sleep and be ready and create an enabling environment to receive the project such as having a kitchen building," said Mrs. Hawa.

The government, through TPDC, will continue its role in ensuring citizens have access to clean cooking energy by allocating a portion of funds in its annual development budget.