Tanzania promotes natural gas pipeline

The Tanzanian government is strongly promoting the potential benefits of the Dar natural gas pipeline. Speaking at the 36th Dar es Salaam International Trade Fair, Tanzania Petroleum Development Corp. Senior Research and Project Development Officer Charles Sangweni told his audience: "The project is at a very good stage. We have started paying those who will be affected by construction of the pipeline from Mtwara to Dar es Salaam. All the preliminary work on the projects, including the environmental impact assessment was conducted and a certificate has already been issued, so construction will begin soon." The China Petroleum Technology and Development Corp. is the contractor and has begun the groundwork in preparation for constructing the pipeline. The Mtwara-Dar es Salaam natural gas pipeline project is being funded by the government of China with $1.2 billion, with the Tanzanian government contributing roughly 5 percent of the pipeline's total cost, the Tanzania Daily News reported Thursday.