The ongoing research in the Lindi – Mtwara Block, in Mtwara region has shown signs of the presence of natural gas, especially in the villages of Mnyundo and Mpapura, the discovery was made from water wells that were found to be leaking natural gas.
The study includes a total of 48 villages in an area of approximately 736 square kilometers, of which 40 villages are from the Mtwara District Council (Mtwara DC) and 8 villages are from the Mtama District Council (Mtama DC).
During his visit to inspect gas and oil projects in Mtwara region, the Deputy Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Energy, Dr. James Mataragio, said that the initial study shows a high possibility of finding natural gas in the area.
“Using previously collected seismic data, we have determined that there is up to 32 percent possibility of gas in this block”, said Dr. Mataragio.
He explained that the demand for gas has been increasing in various sectors including industries, domestic use and transportation – a factor that makes the Government continue to stimulate the search and development of energy sources to achieve the goals of the National Development Vision 2050.
During the visit, Dr. Mataragio also visited the project to increase gas production in the Mnazi Bay area, where he noted that the project is in the preparation stage at 68 percent.
The Mnazi Bay project involves three natural gas wells, where the government expects to increase production by an average of 45 million cubic feet per day from two wells, while one well is for further research into the presence of gas in another area in the block.
Dr. Mataragio has instructed the Tanzania Petroleum Development Corporation (TPDC) to ensure that all projects are completed according to the planned schedule.
Mtwara Regional Commissioner, Colonel Patrick Sawala, said that natural gas has become a major attraction for investors in the region and that the presence of these projects has stimulated various economic and social activities.
“For us, the people of Mtwara, the energy sector is the foundation of our development and security. I congratulate TPDC and all stakeholders for the successful implementation of natural gas projects which have also provided employment to our residents,” said Colonel Sawala.
Geologist Paschal Njiko, who is the Director of Exploration, Development and Production of Oil and Gas from TPDC, said that the Agency will continue to closely monitor contractors to ensure that projects are completed on time and within budget.
And the Chairman of Mwanamawa Village, Mr. Selemani Hassani, thanked the Government through TPDC for bringing the project to their village, explaining that the citizens have already started to benefit through employment opportunities and infrastructure improvements.
“Through this project, we have obtained local roads that facilitate social and economic activities. Citizens have also found various jobs that have enabled them to increase their income”, he said.
To date, more than 1,200 short-term jobs have been provided to Mtwara citizens through the seismic data collection project in the Lindi-Mtwara block.
