Government committed to address hurdles in oil, gas sector

According to the expert, the oil and natural gas discovery is expected to attract direct investments of over 30 billion US dollars. Deputy Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Energy and Natural Resources Ms Juliana Pallangyo said yesterday in Dar es Salaam that Tanzania would learn from other countries’ experience and avoid the challenges.

“The government has also put in place various measures including policies that will ensure smooth and bright management of the industry (Oil and natural gas discoveries),” she said.

Ms Pallangyo was speaking during the 4th Tanzania Oil and Gas Conference and Exhibitions (ToGaCe-2016) held at Julius Nyerere International Conference in Dar es Salaam. She said that the government is currently training local experts to handle the oil and gas economy, security and growth.

On the other hand, Ms Pallangyo called on the conference participants drawn from international and national oil and gas industries to identify opportunities, challenges and clarifications towards better management of the sector.

Speaking during the two-day conference, the Deputy Vice Chancellor- Academic of the University of Dar es Salaam Prof Luoga Florens said the University is well placed to provide trainings on oil and gas management in the country in order to ensure enough experts.

He said the University has established first degrees on Bachelor of Science in Petroleum Chemistry, Geology and engineering in order to produce more experts towards the development of the industry.

Prof Florens who was speaking on behalf of the University’s Vice Chancellor Prof Rwekaza Mukandala said the level of investment committed to the sector is of magnitude in the country and thus comprehensive measures should be instituted.

“The level of investment committed to the sector by the International Oil Companies and the national oil company is of magnitudes never seen in the country,” he said adding that the investment is well above 30 billion US dollars.

SOURCE: DAILY NEWS

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