Oil & Gas

The Board of Directors of the Petroleum Upstream Regulatory Authority (PURA) has conducted a special visit to Songo Songo in Lindi Region to assess the state of natural gas production and processing infrastructure. The visit also aimed to evaluate the Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) projects implemented by companies involved in gas exploration and production on the island.

During the visit, Board members, led by Chairman Mr. Halfani Halfani, toured the gas production and processing infrastructure operated by PanAfrican Energy Tanzania Ltd (PAET) and the processing facilities run by GASCO, a subsidiary of the Tanzania Petroleum Development Corporation (TPDC). Mr. Halfani noted that TPDC and PAET have increased their efforts in implementing CSR projects, unlike in the past, thanks to the government's strong oversight and the guidelines established under the 2015 Petroleum Act.

Discussing development projects, Halfani expressed satisfaction with the construction of primary and secondary schools, a girls' dormitory, a kindergarten, and a large health center. He further emphasized that in the past, female students had to be sponsored for studies in Kilwa, but now students from Songo Songo can access quality education locally due to the presence of the natural gas project.

PURA’s Director General, Engineer Charles Sangweni, stated that the visit aimed to enhance the Board members’ understanding, enabling them to make informed decisions about the sector. Board Member Engineer Hamdun Mansur stressed the importance of PURA continuing to oversee the industry effectively, highlighting that the visit had provided valuable insights into the natural gas processing sector.